The Iranian government has made significant adjustments to its bread subsidy program and working hours in a bid to address economic challenges and energy consumption. The Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare announced on May 3, 2025, that the new phase of the electronic bread coupon project will begin on May 21, 2025, allowing eligible households to purchase basic bread with a credit ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 Tomans.
This initiative, which aims to support low-income families and alleviate the pressure of inflation on essential goods, is part of a broader strategy to enhance purchasing power. The program, which started in the previous year, is designed to provide families with the necessary funds to buy staple items such as bread, dairy products, and meat.
According to the official announcement, the new credit will be deposited into the accounts of household heads and can be used at participating stores. The subsidy covers 11 essential food items, including lavash (a type of flatbread), oil, red meat, chicken, rice, eggs, and other necessary foodstuffs. The government hopes that by providing this financial support, families will be better equipped to manage their basic needs.
In addition to the bread subsidy, the Iranian government has also introduced changes to the working hours of public administration. Abdollah Ramezanzadeh, the spokesman for the government, revealed that the new working hours will be from 6 AM to 1 PM, a move aimed at conserving electricity. This decision, however, has sparked criticism regarding its practicality. Ramezanzadeh questioned, "Which citizen will visit a government office at 6 AM? What about school children?" He noted that actual work cannot begin before 8 AM, leading to only five hours of effective work time due to the two-hour electricity shortage.
In a related development, the board of ministers convened on May 7, 2025, to approve amendments to the official working hours based on a proposal from the Administrative and Recruitment Organization. This amendment mandates that all executive agencies provide telecommuting options for employees who can perform their duties remotely. The initiative is part of efforts to manage energy consumption more effectively and reduce traffic congestion.
Furthermore, the revised regulations now include provisions for employees with children under six years old, allowing them to benefit from flexible working hours. Previously, only those with children in preschool and elementary school were eligible for this arrangement. The government aims to support families while promoting energy-efficient practices.
As part of these changes, the Tehran Metro system will also adjust its operational hours to align with the new working schedule. Hadi Zand, a spokesperson for the metro service, announced that starting May 10, 2025, service in suburban routes will commence at 4:30 AM from Saturday to Wednesday, with adjustments for Thursday and Friday. On Fridays, metro services will begin at 6:00 AM, similar to suburban routes. However, services on Line 5 will maintain its previous schedule, ensuring continuity for commuters.
These measures reflect the Iranian government's ongoing efforts to address economic pressures and manage energy resources effectively. By implementing these changes, officials hope to provide better support for families while promoting a more sustainable approach to public services.
In summary, the Iranian government is actively working to balance the needs of its citizens with the realities of economic constraints and energy limitations. The introduction of the electronic bread coupon program and modifications to working hours are steps towards supporting low-income households and ensuring that essential services remain accessible.
