Title: “Sharp Criticism Over Agricultural Ministry’s Management as Cooking Oil Prices Soar”
Food Security Under Scrutiny Amid Economic Challenges
Eshaq Bandani, a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, has strongly criticized the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad’s handling of food security, currency allocation, and economic fairness, citing official data and legal resolutions.
Bandani revealed that despite being aware of a €4 billion reduction in preferential currency allocations compared to the previous year, the ministry failed to present a clear priority plan for resource distribution. “No transparent list of eligible goods was published, leaving businesses completely uninformed,” he stated.
Delays and Market Disruptions
According to Bandani, private companies have faced nine-month delays in receiving currency allocations due to ambiguous policies. This mismanagement has disrupted the supply chain, causing sharp price hikes in key commodities. For instance, corn prices surged from 7,500 to 11,300 tomans, with similar trends affecting barley and soybean meal.
Allegations of Favoritism and Violations
Bandani accused affiliated companies of receiving preferential treatment, bypassing pricing regulations to import goods at rates 8% above approved levels. These firms reportedly imported 6,000 tons of legumes and 45,000 tons of oil, exceeding budget limits by €15.5 million. Notably, white bean imports—officially banned—were permitted for these entities, contradicting market regulations requiring discounted sales.
Missed Opportunities in International Relations
The official also highlighted mismanagement during the Russian export ban crisis, which threatened 35% of Iran’s northern imports. Despite diplomatic efforts, including discussions between Iranian and Russian presidents, four months of inaction led to lost market stabilization opportunities.
Ignoring National Economic Policies
Bandani emphasized that the ministry’s approach contradicts leadership directives to reduce state intervention and empower the private sector. “Instead of leveraging expert knowledge, the ministry prioritizes semi-state entities, lacks transparency, and misallocates resources,” he warned.
A Call for Reform
The criticisms underscore urgent concerns over the stability of essential goods supply chains. Bandani urged greater accountability, transparent planning, and adherence to national economic strategies to prevent further market instability.
This report reflects concerns over policy implementation while emphasizing the need for structured reforms in resource management.
