On Friday, May 17, bakers in five major Iranian provinces launched coordinated protests in response to widespread power outages and the ongoing failure of the government’s so-called “Nanino” smart subsidy system, which has been mired in corruption and inefficiency since its inception.
In Qom, central Iran, bakers gathered outside the local bakery guild office, voicing anger over repeated and unannounced electricity cuts that have ruined dough batches and led to severe financial losses. They warned that production has become unsustainable without reliable electricity.
May 17—Mashhad, northeast Iran
Protest by bakers against unpaid subsidies, high operational costs, low income, and other job-related difficulties.#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/vpohDllGLU— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 17, 2025
In Mashhad, northeast Iran, dozens of bakery owners protested outside the Bakers’ Union, highlighting the chaos caused by inconsistent power supply and accusing officials of negligence. They reported that due to sudden blackouts, bread dough is frequently wasted, turning into animal feed instead of food for families.
Protesters in Isfahan, central Iran, rallied outside the provincial governor’s office, chanting: “Enough with promises—our tables are empty!”
In a symbolic act of defiance, several bakers dumped spoiled dough in front of the power office, demanding accountability for the destruction of their livelihood.
May 17—Isfahan, central Iran
Bakers protest subsidy cuts and rising costs, and demand fair flour distribution.
Protesters chant "Promises and pledges are enough, our tables are empty."#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/LkCZRhPlcx— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 17, 2025
In Birjand, eastern Iran, bakers gathered in front of the county governor’s office, stating that random power cuts during the fermentation and baking process disable ovens and spoil the dough, leading to full production shutdowns. They called for scheduled blackouts if necessary, but not this chaotic approach.
In Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, long plagued by infrastructure issues, bakers held protest gatherings in Mahshahr and Ahvaz, condemning “Nanino” as a failed system. They accused the platform of subjecting them to bureaucratic abuse, arbitrary inspections, and data manipulation. Protesters said they are being driven to poverty despite working under heavy government scrutiny.
May 17—Mahshahr, southwest Iran
Protest by bakers against unpaid subsidies, the malfunctioning "Nanino" system, high operational costs, low income, and other job-related difficulties#IranProtestspic.twitter.com/S69c1ZzzBB— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) May 17, 2025
The “Nanino” System: A Symbol of Institutional Corruption
The “Nanino” digital bread subsidy platform, which cost the government 900 billion tomans, was designed to monitor flour and bread distribution. However, according to Mohammad Javad Karami, advisor to the Guild Chamber, the system has “failed completely and exacerbated corruption.”
“The data is unreliable. The platform has become an instrument of intimidation and extortion,” Karami said. He called for the immediate dismantling of the system, stating it has done more harm than good to bakers, the public, and the state alike.
Unscheduled Power Outages: A Disaster for Bakeries
Across all cities, bakers stressed that unpredictable power outages directly cause:
- Spoiled dough due to fermentation and cooling interruptions
- Oven malfunctions and burnt or undercooked bread
- Wasted subsidized flour
- Massive financial losses with no compensation mechanism
In many areas, these conditions have forced bakeries to temporarily close, pushing families deeper into economic hardship.
The unified message from Iran’s bakers was clear: “We cannot continue under this system.” Unless electricity supply is stabilized and the corrupt Nanino platform is scrapped, the next social explosion may come from the nation’s bakeries themselves.