16.01.2026 21:23
The Iranian government implemented an electronic coupon application called "Kalabarg" to combat price increases in basic consumer goods and facilitate public access to food products following protests that began on December 28, 2025, due to the high cost of living and high inflation. Iranian officials stated that during the crisis in the country, some products that were previously unavailable on supermarket shelves have been restocked, and there has been a decrease in the prices of various products.
Iran has launched an electronic coupon application called 'Kalabarg' to combat the rising cost of living and high inflation. This application aims to provide citizens with easier access to essential food products. Authorities have announced that some products are now available again in supermarkets and that prices have decreased.
THE PERIOD OF SHOPPING WITH ELECTRONIC COUPONS HAS BEGUN IN IRAN Following the protests that began on December 28, 2025, due to the high cost of living and inflation in Iran, there have been sharp price increases, especially in food items such as oil, meat, and eggs. The government, aiming to reduce the impact of rising living costs on citizens, has implemented various new economic measures following criticism and protests. The "Kalabarg" electronic coupon application, launched as part of this initiative, aims to provide households with easier access to essential food items such as milk, cheese, oil, rice, meat, and eggs. The Kalabarg system operates as a digital document or credit mechanism assigned to citizens by the state and aims to reduce the rent generated from foreign exchange subsidies.
"PRICE DECREASES HAVE BEGUN FOR SOME PRODUCTS" Before the protests, the accelerating price increases had caused a significant public outcry, and some products had temporarily disappeared from supermarket shelves. While officials and industry representatives stated that this situation was related to speculative movements, disruptions in the supply chain, and economic pressures, they have recently expressed that essential products are now available again in retail outlets, especially in chain supermarkets, and that prices have started to decrease for some items. The government emphasizes that the steps taken have provided partial relief in the markets and that strengthening price stability is the goal for the upcoming period.
The Iranian people are approaching the steps taken to combat the rising cost of living with caution following the violent protests. Iranian Zohre Nosrati stated, "There is an increase in prices due to the extraordinary situations in the economy compared to the past. The government has also made decisions to prevent the rising cost of living. We have faced many problems as a society so far. I believe we will overcome this as well."
Iranian Ali Riza Ekberi stated, "The government's support through the electronic coupon has been helpful, but it is not enough. Prices have increased compared to the past. Still, as you can see, people continue to shop."
PREFERENTIAL EXCHANGE RATE APPLICATION The Iranian government has also made regulations in the preferential exchange rate application to prevent sudden fluctuations in the exchange rate and to control price increases. The system, which has been in place for many years, was designed to allocate foreign currency to importers at a price below the free market rate for the import of certain essential products. However, the misuse of foreign currency obtained at a low rate, the failure of imported products to be offered to the market at the expected price level, and gaps in the oversight of the supply chain have led to intense criticism of the application. Economic circles argue that the preferential exchange rate has gradually turned into a rent mechanism and has been insufficient in preventing price increases.