Final Call: Five-Day Window to Use Phase 4 of Iran’s Essential Goods Coupon
Tehran – The Iranian government’s Electronic Commodity Coupon scheme, a cornerstone of its social welfare policy, is currently in its fourth phase, with beneficiaries having only a few days left to utilize their current credit. According to the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, this phase will officially conclude at the end of the current Iranian month of Aban, rendering its credit unusable.
A Deadline for Essential Purchases
Households enrolled in the program are urged to use their remaining credit within the next five days to purchase designated essential goods. These items include staples such as rice, cooking oil, chicken, dairy products, eggs, and pasta. The initiative is designed to support household budgets and ensure access to basic necessities.
Features and Accessibility of Phase 4
The electronic coupon system allows each household to purchase a minimum of three items from core categories, including dairy, protein, and groceries. All transactions are commission-free, and the program facilitates purchases through both physical stores and online platforms. To check their remaining balance, heads of households can use the USSD code *5001463# or the dedicated “Shoma” application. Officials have reminded beneficiaries that official SMS notifications are sent exclusively to the registered mobile number of the household head, cautioning against fraudulent messages.
Looking Ahead: Enhanced Options in Phase 5
The launch of the scheme’s fifth phase, initially scheduled for Aban, has been rescheduled for the first week of the next month, Azar. Ahmad Meydari, the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, emphasized the program’s significant socio-economic role and outlined the new options that will be available to beneficiaries in the upcoming phase:
- Option 1: Receive a direct financial credit to purchase from a list of 11 essential goods.
- Option 2: Shop at 12,000 designated stores where goods are sold at official prices with a discount of at least 20%.
These enhanced measures are aimed at bolstering the purchasing power of lower-income deciles and providing households with greater choice and flexibility.
High Public Satisfaction and Future Plans
The program has reportedly garnered widespread public approval. The head of the Iranian Information and Welfare Center stated that satisfaction rates from the previous phases reached approximately 95-96%. Due to market price fluctuations, a new range of methods for implementing Phase 5 is under review and will be finalized in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Planning and Budget Organization.
Households are strongly advised to utilize their Phase 4 credit before the imminent deadline, ensuring they do not miss this opportunity. The forthcoming Phase 5 is set to introduce further facilities, continuing the government’s policy of supporting citizens’ livelihoods.