Title: New Phase of Electronic Food Subsidy Scheme Set for Swift Launch
Introduction
In a significant move to support household purchasing power, senior Iranian government officials have announced the imminent launch of a new phase of the electronic food subsidy scheme. The initiative is designed to ensure the continued provision of essential goods at stable prices for eligible citizens.
Guaranteed Prices for Essential Goods
Mr. Gholamreza Nouri Qaljeh, the Minister of Agriculture-Jahad, confirmed that the upcoming phase of the electronic coupon system will commence shortly. He emphasized that despite the removal of preferential currency rates and subsequent price increases at the import origin, the government will cover the cost difference. This ensures that the public will continue to receive approximately 13 essential food items at their previous prices, based on the former currency rate.
Minister Nouri Qaljeh stated that the primary objective of the scheme is to “preserve the purchasing power of eligible strata and guarantee the provision of the required calorie intake for households.”
Cross-Governmental Coordination for Swift Implementation
Highlighting the high-level coordination behind the project, the minister noted that the President has emphasized the need to expedite the rollout. “Given that the infrastructure is ready, the new phase of this plan will begin soon,” he added, following coordination with the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Ahmad Meydari, the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, detailed the consensus between the government and parliament. He explained that the core goal is to shift subsidies from production inputs directly to the consumer, thereby stabilizing prices for the public. This approach, he noted, aligns with the path followed by the government of the late President Raisi.
Finalizing the Implementation Framework
Minister Meydari reported that lengthy joint meetings between the government and parliament were held this week at the Planning and Budget Organization to finalize the scheme’s details. A conclusive decision is expected next week in a meeting chaired by the First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref.
Regarding the timeline, while the plan is set to be finalized in the Iranian month of Aban, its execution is contingent upon agreements with the private sector. “To maintain price stability, we must sign two to three-month contracts with suppliers so they can supply goods at a specified rate over time,” Meydari explained. He stressed that a successful launch requires this careful preparation, as opposed to a rushed implementation that could undermine price stability.
Parliamentary Mandate and Target Beneficiaries
Mr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Parliament, has publicly stated that the government is obligated to implement the new phase of the electronic coupon scheme in Aban. Parliament has actively engaged with the process, underlining the scheme’s legislative importance.
In terms of coverage, the previous phase of the electronic coupon did not include the top three income deciles. The new plan is likely to cover the first seven deciles of society, though final decisions on the exact coverage are still being deliberated by the government and parliament.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort for Public Welfare
The successful implementation of the electronic food subsidy scheme is presented as a national priority, reliant on close cooperation between the private sector, executive bodies, and a unified decision by the government and parliament. This coordinated effort aims to deliver tangible economic support directly to Iranian households.