Book Production Plunges as Prices Increase by 37%

Between December 22, 2018, and May 21, the print runs of books in Iran declined by 36%, dropping from an average of 1,878 to 1,175 whereas book prices rose by 37% from an average of 247,807 rials ($1.88) to 339,944 rials ($2.58). 
According to the statistics published by Iran Book House, the number of book titles during the five-month period also dropped by 27% from 9,197 to 7,250, the Persian daily Donya-e-Eqtesad reported. 
The main reason for this severe decline is the rising price of paper. For example, a ream (4.5 sheets or 70 grams) of publication paper increased by 50,000 rials (38 cents) on Tuesday compared with the preceding week to reach 5.05 million rials ($38.4).