Title: Survey Reveals Key Consumer Trends in Iran’s Essential Goods Subsidy Program
A new parliamentary report has provided a detailed look into the consumption patterns and public reception of Iran’s electronic subsidy coupon program, highlighting its significant role in supporting household economies.
Program Overview and Participation
The Research Center of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) conducted a comprehensive survey to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Essential Goods Subsidy Program, commonly known as the “electronic coupon” system. The program, which has been rolled out in three phases over the past year, is designed to provide citizens with access to subsidized staple goods.
The survey data indicates robust public engagement, with participation rates of 83.9% in the first phase (March), 88.1% in the second phase (April), and 60.8% in the ongoing third phase. The lower figure for the third phase is attributed to the fact that the redemption window is still open.
Income Demographics and Program Targeting
The findings confirm the program’s success in reaching its intended demographic: lower-income households. The survey reveals a clear correlation between income level and program participation, with families earning less demonstrating significantly higher uptake of the subsidies.
According to the respondents’ declared income status:
- 43.4% have an average monthly income of less than 12 million tomans.
- 34.9% earn between 12 to 18 million tomans.
- 13.8% earn between 18 to 25 million tomans.
- 5.2% have an average income of 25 million tomans or more.
Consumer Preferences in the Subsidy Basket
The survey offers a clear snapshot of purchasing priorities among beneficiaries. Cooking oil, sugar, and eggs emerged as the most sought-after items, reflecting their fundamental role in the Iranian household diet.
The breakdown of goods purchased using the electronic coupons is as follows:
- Cooking Oil: 87.5%
- Sugar: 66.5%
- Eggs: 62.7%
- Dairy Products: 57.5%
- Pulses (e.g., lentils, beans): 56.7%
- Rice: 55.8%
- Chicken: 55.2%
- Meat: 36.1%
Public Sentiment on Program Efficacy and Equity
While the program is widely used, the survey also gauged its perceived sufficiency. A majority of respondents, 56.1%, stated that the subsidized goods were only “partially sufficient” to meet their family’s monthly needs. A significant 33.4% reported that the provisions were “not at all sufficient,” while 8.7% found them to be “sufficient.”
The report also highlighted strong public support for the program’s integrity and targeted nature. An overwhelming 89.8% of respondents expressed opposition to the practice of selling coupons for cash, with 84.4% stating they had not witnessed such activities in their community.
Furthermore, the data reveals a nuanced public view on the program’s distribution. A significant majority, 72.8%, believe that lower-income families should receive a larger share of the subsidies. This sentiment is particularly strong among the first and second income deciles, who argue the program should be exclusive to low-income households. Meanwhile, a minority of 25.9% prefer an equal distribution to all citizens.
This detailed report provides valuable insights for policymakers to further refine and optimize the social support system, ensuring it continues to effectively meet the essential needs of the population.