Coupon system in Iran - relic of past?

The use of the coupon system for food in Iran, which is currently discussed - a premature move.

There are controversial discussions between officials for a long time on the introduction of the coupon system for food. It should be noted that an ardent supporter of the system is a member of parliament Ahmed Tefekyul, who was against it during the period of the coupon system in Iran in the post-revolutionary period. Tefekyul calls a difficult social situation in the country due to the unstable economic situation as a reason for the revision of views.

Indeed, the situation in Iran isn't very good due to the toughening sanctions of the EU and the U.S.. It isn't Iran that used a coupon system as a country importing most of essential goods 30 years ago. Today, Iran, according to official data of the country, is able to provide own production of food needed for the country, and the surplus is exported. A comprehensive program prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture is carried out here to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of such a strategically important product as wheat, and a plan to import and storage of strategically important products of first necessity is being carried out since 2010.

According to FAO, Iran today is among the 12 largest world producers of wheat, and the consumption of wheat in the country per capita is around 8.7 kg per month, which is the best indicator in the calculation of food security. Therefore, there is no sign of food shortages in Iran at present.

Hasty introduction of the coupon system is fraught with mass problem. So, first, there can be problems with a fair distribution of coupons, leading to the corruption in all its forms, and second, it can lead to problems of pricing in the markets, in particular the chaotic growth of commodity prices with coupons for free market and in the social sphere - it is endless queues and frustration.

Review of the state administration system, the solution of such serious problems as inflation, devaluation of rial at a high level will be more effective solution to regulate economic situation in the country.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the sanctions take effect on the country at 20 percent and 80 percent of the problems come from improper management.


Leyla Abdullayeva /Trend/