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Source: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/01/16/sanctions_iran_daily_life
Are Iranians Really Feeling the Pinch of Sanctions?
(Foreign Policy) Sune Engel Rasmussen - If you listen to the talk in Western capitals, harsh international sanctions on Iran's energy and banking industries are well on their way to bringing the Islamic Republic to its knees. And there is no doubt that staggering levels of inflation, a heavily devalued currency, and soaring unemployment have taken a toll on general living standards. Despite the hardship, however, Iran is far from the breaking point. In the Grand Bazaar in Tehran, bread costs the same as it did six months ago. The government has ramped up grain imports, mainly from the EU. Energy prices have shot up, but are still low. The monthly energy bill for a small household in Tehran runs around $15 to $20.