Iran Launches New Phase of Essential Goods Subsidy Program to Stabilize Prices
In a significant move to ensure economic stability and support household purchasing power, Iranian authorities have announced the full readiness of a reformed essential goods subsidy program, set for implementation in the upcoming month of Aban (late October/November).
Cross-Government Coordination for Swift Implementation
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, confirmed that all necessary preparations are complete for the distribution of these subsidies in the form of essential goods. The decision, rooted in national legislation, underscores a unified commitment across different branches of government. Speaker Ghalibaf acknowledged initial technical and budgetary challenges but affirmed that through inter-agency cooperation, these hurdles have been overcome, guaranteeing the program’s launch.
Price Stability Guaranteed Amidst Policy Shifts
A key feature of the new program is the price stability it promises for citizens. Gholamreza Nouri Qezeljeh, the Minister of Agriculture, elaborated that the prices of 13 essential commodities—including meat, poultry, rice, and eggs—will be held constant for beneficiaries. This measure comes despite the recent removal of preferential currency rates for imports at the start of the supply chain, which had led to increased costs. The government has committed to absorbing this price differential, ensuring that citizens receive these goods at the previous stabilized rate.
Minister Nouri Qezeljeh stated the primary objective is to “preserve the purchasing power of eligible groups and guarantee the required calorie intake for households.” He further highlighted the extensive coordination with the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, noting the President’s direct emphasis on accelerating the program’s rollout.
Long-Term Vision: Boosting Self-Sufficiency
Beyond immediate price controls, the initiative is aligned with a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen Iran’s domestic production capacity. The Minister pointed to expectations of a gradual reduction in red meat imports as domestic output increases, moving the nation closer to self-sufficiency in this sector.
The revamped subsidy program represents a comprehensive policy effort to shield low and middle-income families from inflationary pressures. By stabilizing the cost of basic necessities and compensating for increased import costs, the plan aims to safeguard living standards while simultaneously creating a more resilient, production-oriented national economy. With infrastructure in place and a clear directive from national leadership, the public can anticipate the tangible benefits of this program from next month.