Title: New E-Subsidy Card Initiative Aims for Market Stability with Fixed Pricing
In a significant move to ensure economic stability and support household budgets, a coordinated effort between the Iranian Parliament and the government has solidified the framework for the new electronic subsidy (e-subsidy) card system. The initiative is designed to provide essential goods to citizens at stable, predictable prices.
Parliamentary Oversight Drives Consensus
Detailing the new measures, MP Shahbaz Hassanpour highlighted that a recent parliamentary oversight meeting brought together key officials, including the Head of the Planning and Budget Organization, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare. The session focused on the implementation mechanics of the e-subsidy card program, demonstrating a unified approach between the legislative and executive branches.
Core Mechanism: Stable Pricing for Essential Goods
The central pillar of the agreement is a pricing model that shields consumers from market fluctuations. According to Hassanpour, goods distributed through the e-subsidy card will be priced based on a fixed exchange rate of 28,500 tomans and will not be subject to the volatile open market rate.
“This ensures that these goods will be provided to the people at a fixed price,” the MP from Kerman explained, “in such a way that even a year from now, people will receive the same goods at today’s price.”
Building on Previous Government Efforts
Hassanpour recalled that a similar agreement to provide goods at stabilized prices from September 2021 had been reached during the current administration but was not fully implemented. He emphasized that the current consensus between the government and parliament is stronger and more cohesive, paving the way for the successful rollout of the fixed-price system to create tangible market stability.
Legislative Support for Economic Measures
In response to the proposal from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, Hassanpour affirmed the parliament’s full support. “The Islamic Parliament of Iran welcomes any proposal from the government aimed at stabilizing the market situation and reducing prices, and it will accompany and cooperate with these efforts,” he stated.
This collaborative initiative marks a proactive step by Iran’s governing bodies to leverage the e-subsidy card as a direct tool for economic relief and price control, aiming to deliver consistent benefits to the public.