Title: Parliament Directs Swift Implementation of Subsidy Reforms and Electronic Ration System
New Subsidy Policy for Higher Earners Finalized
In a decisive move, the Iranian Parliament has confirmed the cessation of subsidy payments for the top three income deciles, with implementation set for the month of Aban. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Parliament Speaker, announced the directive, emphasizing that the measure is firmly rooted in existing law and will be pursued by the government without delay.
Streamlining Support and Ensuring Essential Goods
The announcement came during a parliamentary session addressing the nation’s budget and economic planning. Speaker Ghalibaf detailed the government’s parallel plan to transition from cash subsidies to an electronic commodity ration system, known as the “Goods-Basket.”
“All the necessary groundwork has been laid for the Goods-Basket to be distributed in the form of actual commodities starting in Aban,” Ghalibaf stated. He expressed optimism that the cash transfers for the current phase would be completed before the end of Mehr, paving the way for the new system. This shift is a key component of the country’s broader Seventh Development Plan.
Government Committed to Price Stability and Food Security
Echoing the parliamentary directive, Minister of Agriculture, Gholamreza Nouri Ghazlageh, provided further details on the electronic ration plan. He affirmed that the primary objective is to preserve the purchasing power of eligible citizens and guarantee the caloric needs of households.
Minister Nouri clarified that despite the removal of preferential foreign exchange rates at the import stage—which has increased the cost of some goods—the government will absorb this increase within the Goods-Basket framework. “The people will continue to receive these essential goods at the previous rate,” he assured, highlighting a government commitment to shield consumers from direct price hikes.
The system will provide approximately 13 essential staple items at fixed, stable prices to holders of the electronic ration cards. The Minister confirmed that all necessary infrastructure is ready, and the new phase of the plan will commence shortly, following emphatic directives from the President to accelerate its rollout.
Focus on Agricultural Self-Sufficiency
In related economic developments, Minister Nouri also addressed market adjustments for key commodities. He noted that while the price of red meat has been affected by changes in import financing, the nation is simultaneously focusing on boosting domestic production. “With increased domestic production, it is expected that red meat imports will gradually decrease, moving the country closer to self-sufficiency,” the Minister concluded.