Title: New Phase of Essential Goods Subsidy Program Set for Millions of Households
Introduction: A Presidential Directive for Public Support
In line with a directive from President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian government is moving forward with the implementation of the monthly electronic goods subsidy program. Officials have affirmed their commitment to executing this initiative, which is designed to support the food basket and health of the nation’s citizens.
Expanding the Basket of Goods
Ali Ashtab, the Director-General of Cooperation, Labor, and Social Welfare in Qom province, announced an expansion of the “Goods Subsidy Plan,” with new items added to the list of essential commodities. Beyond the original 11 staple goods, new additions now include turkey and quail in the poultry category, as well as fish and shrimp in the seafood category. This expansion aims to increase the diversity of available goods and provide citizens with greater choice.
Allocation and Accessibility Details
The allocated credit for each subsidy recipient has been specified based on income deciles. For the first to third deciles, the amount is set at 500,000 Tomans per person. For the fourth to seventh deciles, the amount is 350,000 Tomans. In Qom province alone, 1,911 small stores and 218 large stores are ready to provide services to the public under this scheme. Citizens can utilize this program until the end of the Iranian month of Aban.
Ashtab emphasized that “the purchases are made free of charge,” meaning the allocated credit is directly used for acquiring goods without cash withdrawal. He also assured that prices are controlled and subject to regulatory oversight to ensure fairness.
A Broader National Framework
The continuation of this subsidy program has been highlighted as a national priority. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), has underscored the plan’s importance in helping to maintain the purchasing power of households under current economic conditions. He noted that stabilizing the prices of essential goods, coupled with government subsidies, helps in the efficient management of national resources.
Based on the budget law, the government is tasked with reallocating resources by redirecting cash subsidies from higher-income deciles to fund this in-kind support for lower-income groups.
Looking Ahead
All attention is now focused on the launch of the fifth phase of the program. While precise timing is pending final confirmation and the securing of necessary funds, preparations are underway. This program, which complements cash subsidies, allows eligible families to purchase essential goods directly using their national ID code at hundreds of thousands of participating stores across the country, ensuring continued support for household livelihoods and the equitable distribution of subsidies.