Title: New Phase of Essential Goods Subsidy Launched, Focusing on Lower-Income Families
Tehran – A significant new phase of the government’s electronic subsidy program for essential goods commenced this week, with direct credits being allocated to the first three income deciles of society.
Direct Allocation for Targeted Support
According to parliamentary officials, the credit equivalent to 500,000 Tomans in goods is being deposited for these households. Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presiding board, outlined that under the new distribution method, goods valued at this amount are being provided to the first three deciles. Subsequently, the fourth to seventh deciles will be covered with lesser amounts. The government has committed to fully implementing this nationwide plan within approximately two weeks.
Aligning with National Development Goals
Explaining the details, Naderi emphasized that this method, based on the law of the Seventh Development Plan, involves the direct provision of goods to the people rather than discounted credit. He noted that the government has complied with this law, and the provision of goods is calculated based on the 2,100-calorie requirement for different deciles, with a priority on the first three. While thanking the government for this step forward, he mentioned that implementation, though expected earlier, is now effectively underway.
Leadership Applauds Implementation Efforts
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, also expressed gratitude to the government for preparing the necessary executive groundwork. He stressed that the operationalization of the new subsidy system, which will maintain stable prices for consumers throughout the year, will begin shortly. Ghalibaf confirmed that the first phase covers three of the seven eligible deciles, with the rest being gradually included up to the seventh decile.
A Responsive and Evolving System
Ehsan Roustami, Head of the Welfare Studies and Information Center, announced the start of this fifth phase, building upon four previous stages. He stated that two main scenarios are under consideration: continuing the previous credit-based method or implementing a hybrid model. The hybrid approach could involve offering eligible goods with a 20-30% discount in chain stores, while the credit method continues in local shops, pending coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Roustami clarified that the design of this fifth phase aims to address public feedback regarding the previous credit value and limitations on the variety and quantity of goods. The government and parliament are collaboratively working to secure necessary resources to prevent price shocks and support household livelihoods. The final details, including the choice between the credit or hybrid method, will be announced after a conclusive meeting at the Ministry of Welfare.