Iranians Forced To Sell Hair, Rent Out Laptops As War Deepens Tehran's Financial Crisis
Iranians Forced To Sell Hair, Rent Out Laptops As War Deepens Tehran's Financial Crisis Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 16:20 IST Laptops are
Iranians Forced To Sell Hair, Rent Out Laptops As War Deepens Tehran's Financial Crisis Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 16:20 IST Laptops are being rented out for short-term use as people seek new ways to make ends meet. The West Asia War has led to inflation in Iran. (File Image source: AFP) As the West Asia war shows no immediate signs of ending, people in Iran are reportedly facing a financial crisis that is forcing them to sell or rent out personal belongings, ranging from their natural hair to laptops. Amid an increasingly desperate search for cash, Iranian families are turning to unusual ways to make ends meet, including selling or renting out their belongings through online platforms, Iranian news agency ILNA reported. The families are also eager to sell their perfume bottles and second-hand belongings and to rent out personal items.
Iran’s ‘Survival Economy’ ILNA has reported the emergence of a “survival economy" amid the ongoing war, with families finding ways to turn even seemingly worthless possessions into cash. Natural hair is being sold, used perfume bottles are being listed online, while second-hand clothes and work shoes are finding buyers. Laptops, too, are being rented out for short-term use as people seek new ways to make ends meet. Used perfume bottles are also finding buyers, along with other household items that would typically have little resale value after serving their original purpose. According to ILNA, some sellers are even bundling several low-value items into a single listing in the hope of attracting buyers. At the same time, laptops are increasingly being rented out for office work and online classes. The trend highlights a shift in how such devices are being viewed rather than something that must be owned.
A laptop is becoming a short-term necessity that can be used when required and returned once the need is over. Inflation In Iran Iran’s economic pressure is increasingly affecting everyday life. ILNA, citing the country’s Statistical Center, reported annual inflation at 66% for the Iranian month ending in late July, while year-on-year inflation stood at 87.9%. Rising food costs and shrinking purchasing power are forcing households to rethink routine spending, from buying essentials to paying for healthcare and medicines. Families are cutting expenses, postponing purchases and opting to rent rather than own. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called ongoing efforts to end the conflict Iran’s “last chance", though Tehran has denied that direct talks with Washington are underway. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.
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