Title: Iran Announces December Timeline for Next Phase of Essential Goods Subsidy Program
Tehran – The fourth phase of Iran’s electronic goods subsidy program has been successfully implemented in two stages, providing targeted financial support to millions of households across the country.
Program Rollout and Benefits
According to reports, the initial stage of this phase was executed on September 10 for the first three income deciles, who received a credit of 5 million rials. This was followed by a second stage on September 20 for deciles four through seven, who were allocated 3.5 million rials. These credits are designated for the purchase of essential food items, including rice, oil, red meat and poultry, dairy products, pasta, legumes, eggs, and sugar. In a recent expansion of the program’s offerings, turkey meat has been added to the list of eligible goods.
Clarification on Future Phases
In response to speculation circulating on social media, official sources have clarified that rumors of a fifth phase being launched in October 2024 are incorrect. No official body has confirmed such reports. Given the extension of the fourth phase, a new installment is not anticipated to begin before the end of November. Current projections indicate that the fifth phase is scheduled for December 2024, pending the necessary budgetary allocations.
A Pillar of Social Support
The electronic goods subsidy program is a cornerstone of the nation’s comprehensive social welfare system, operating as a complementary initiative to direct cash subsidies. It enables eligible families to purchase essential goods without a direct withdrawal from their bank accounts. The primary objectives of the program are to support the livelihood of citizens and ensure the equitable distribution of subsidies.
For the current year, the credit is directly allocated to the national identification code of the head of the household. Families can utilize their credits at any of the 230,000 participating retail stores nationwide, with the freedom to choose from any brand or product type available within the scheme’s framework.