Iran Unveils New Essential Goods Subsidy Plan, Guaranteeing Stable Prices
In a significant move to support household purchasing power, senior Iranian officials have announced the imminent rollout of a revised commodity coupon system, set to launch in the Persian month of Aban (late October/November). The initiative, a result of high-level coordination between different branches of government, aims to stabilize the prices of 13 essential goods for citizens.
High-Level Coordination for Swift Implementation
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), confirmed that all necessary preparations are complete for the distribution of these commodity-based subsidies. The decision, rooted in national legislation, underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to the public.
“In the meeting of the heads of the branches of government, the issue of the commodity coupon was followed up,” Ghalibaf stated during a public session. He acknowledged that while some technical and credit challenges had arisen, cooperation between relevant institutions has ensured the plan’s definite execution.
Price Stability Amidst Economic Adjustments
Providing further details, Gholemreza Nouri Qaljeh, the Minister of Agriculture-Jahad, explained that under the new plan, the prices of essential items—including meat, poultry, rice, and eggs—will remain fixed for beneficiaries. This measure is designed to insulate citizens from market fluctuations.
“With the removal of the preferential currency rate from the beginning of the import chain, the price of some goods increased,” the Minister stated. “However, within the framework of the commodity coupon, this increase will be paid by the government, and the people will receive the goods based on the previous rate.”
The primary goal of this policy is to “preserve the purchasing power of eligible classes and guarantee the provision of necessary household calories,” he added. Close coordination with the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare is underway, with the President emphasizing the need for an accelerated implementation.
Long-Term Goals and Self-Sufficiency
Minister Nouri Qaljeh also connected the subsidy plan to broader national economic strategies. Regarding red meat, he noted that while previous subsidized imports have ceased, the country is moving towards greater self-sufficiency.
“With the increase in domestic production,” the Minister said, “it is expected that the import of red meat will gradually decrease and the country will approach self-sufficiency.”
Overall, the execution of this new commodity coupon plan is seen as an effective step in reducing inflationary pressure on lower-income households. By stabilizing the cost of essential goods and having the government cover the increased costs, the plan seeks to safeguard public welfare while simultaneously creating conditions to reduce import dependency and strengthen domestic production. With national authorities emphasizing a swift rollout and the readiness of the necessary infrastructure, the public can expect to see the realization of this initiative starting next month.