Mohammadkhani: The zero inflation plan is implemented for 15 items of basic goods

The spokesperson of Tehran Municipality announced the readiness of this organization to transfer experience and cooperate with other cities of the country in implementing the "Zero Inflation" plan and stabilizing the price of 12 basic goods until April 7, 1406.

According to the report of Ambassador Arjan Abdul Mathar Mohammadkhani, the spokesperson of Tehran Municipality, in a TV program, explaining the details of the Zero Inflation Plan and the plans of Tehran Municipality to support the livelihood of citizens in the economic war, he stated: The title "Zero Inflation" is more of a media title for this project, which is not wrong and is completely correct. But the complete and exact title of this plan is "fixing the price of 12 items of basic goods in Shahrvant stores and fruit and vegetable markets".

He explained: We are not talking about zeroing inflation in the entire country, in the entire economy of Iran, and in all products and goods; Rather, we are talking about a six-month period in Tehran, in Shahrvand stores and Tarebar Square, and about 12 items of basic goods. By this definition, we implement zero inflation; This means that during these six months, i.e. from the 7th of Mehr this year to the 7th of April next year, these 12 items will not have any price increase and until the 7th of April, they will be offered at the same price approved and announced on the 7th of Mehr in the streets and stores of Shahrvand so that people can buy them.

Referring to the items included in this plan, Mohammad Khani said: These 12 items include imported rice and meat, pasta, soybeans, dates, four or five types of beans and oil. We hope that these 12 items, God willing, according to the efforts of my colleagues, will reach 15 items in November with the addition of chicken and cheese and one more item that left my mind; It means the goods that people need for their daily living.

Explaining the implementation principles of the project, he considered the five-year experience of Tehran Municipality in using the capacity of the distribution network in fruit and vegetable markets and Shahrvant stores as one of the main supports of this action and said: We are using this experience. In Tehran, we have 316 Tarrebar Squares and 55 Shahrvand stores, of which 48 stores are inside the city of Tehran. It provides a very significant and unique capacity to the city management for the distribution of goods; A very wide distribution network in all neighborhoods and regions of Tehran, which creates a very high accessibility for citizens.

The spokesperson of Tehran Municipality added: In the last five years, we tried to improve the purchase model and the supply model in the fields. Specifically, we went to remove intermediaries; That is, we bought many goods directly from producers or farmers to eliminate the profit that should have been earned by brokers and middlemen.

Referring to the experience of importing basic goods in the last months of the administration of Martyr Raisi, he said: With the emphasis of that great martyr and the cooperation they made with the Tehran Municipality, a license was issued for the import of basic goods, specifically rice and meat. Tehran municipality managed to import for several months. We imported hot meat and distributed fruits and vegetables in the fields. At the same time, we offered the price 40-50% cheaper than outside retail stores.

Criticizing the perception of some critics about the suspension of that experiment, Mohammad Khani said: I was interested that some critics had suddenly remembered to refer to that plan as a failed plan and said that because that plan did not continue, Tehran Municipality could not do such a thing either. That plan was successfully and seriously implemented, but when the new government came into office, at that particular moment, the Ministry of Jihad Agriculture decided not to give this license to Tehran Municipality; With any reason and expedient that is probably significant for themselves. This duty and this time was removed from the shoulders of Tehran Municipality. We did not announce that the government has decided not to do this work, but the main issue of eliminating middlemen and brokers is one of the ideas that have been proposed in the economic field. Different governments have come and said that we want to do this, but we did not see the desired effect in the field.

Emphasizing the successful experience of eliminating middlemen in the fruit and vegetable fields, he said: "I may not be able to say that this experience has existed in all five years, because it took some time to complete the plan to eliminate middlemen, but I can confidently say that in the last four years, in the fruit and vegetable fields, we have had an average price difference of between 20 and 55% in basic goods compared to outside retail stores."

He continued: All dear and noble people who have the experience of buying from fruit and vegetable markets can confirm this issue. Because in Tehran, more than half of people buy from fruit and vegetable markets. If you visit right now, you will see this price difference in fruits, vegetables, meat, rice and many other products that are offered in our stores and fruit and vegetable markets. In some special cases, this difference may be 50%. Normally, we have a 20% price reduction, and in some products, the price difference even reaches 50 to 55%. So, this plan to eliminate intermediaries has been successful in the past years.

Referring to the country's war conditions and the priority of economic war, Mohammad Khani stated: We are in a war situation; 12-day war, 40-day war and immediately after that, turning the war into a war, as they say, a hybrid or combined war, and finding the priority of the economic war.

He added: "You can clearly see that Mr. Scott Bessant, despite being the Treasury Secretary of the American government, has practically become a spokesman for war." Almost every day, he makes comments against the Iranian nation, makes threats, makes promises, sometimes gives ultimatums, and sometimes sets a specific time.

According to the spokesperson of Tehran Municipality, in the statements of this person as well as the President of the United States, the issue of all-round economic blockade of Iran and sea and air blockade is constantly raised. Frankly, in the speeches of these personalities, the Iranian nation is threatened with more economic pressure, inflation and livelihood problems. This Mr. Besnet clearly says that our effort is to create the maximum amount of pain in the Iranian society.

Mohammad Khani continued: We as a group within the government, within the Iranian society and as a fellow Iranian, could not look and see what is happening in the face of these conditions. Based on our experience and specialized knowledge in related fields and by using the large capacity of the distribution network, we tried to neutralize and prevent the enemy's plan and design wherever possible and to the extent that we can.

Referring to the formation process of the zero inflation plan, he said: "Perhaps a week to 10 days after the acceptance of the ceasefire, studies, expert meetings and the feasibility of the zero inflation plan started." That is, at the end of April of this year, the work progressed continuously and seriously, and many different options were examined.

He added: What was on the table was that we are facing an existential threat, part of which is in the economic field, and its purpose is the livelihood of dear people. On the other hand, we have a capacity in Tehran Municipality; The same distribution network and previous experience. So we checked what we can do in this section.

Referring to the review of various solutions for the implementation of this plan, Mohammad Khani stated: Several ways were reviewed with the opinion of experts. One of them was the continuation and development of this idea of ​​eliminating intermediaries. The next idea was to participate in production; That is, we tried to go in the direction of eliminating intermediaries in order to maintain price stability in our own stores and squares, and at the same time, participate in production.

To explain the participation in the production, he said: We have just gone to the factories for some of these goods that are domestically produced. For example, a factory used to have three production lines at its peak, but for whatever reason, including economic problems or other issues, one of the lines was shut down. We used this line, signed a contract and the line was activated and revived. Dear workers are working there now. The factory has also increased its production with peace of mind due to the guarantee given by the Tehran Municipality for the purchase, and this is a win-win relationship. It benefits both the producer and the people.

The spokesperson of Tehran Municipality also explained about the economic considerations of the plan: contrary to the claims and criticisms made by some economists or pseudo-economists, our red line in the implementation of this plan is to intervene in the market and disrupt the supply sector. Our effort was not to shock the supply side.

He continued: In the sense that, for example, let's assume that pasta is one of those 12 items. We didn't come to buy all the pasta available at all the outlets. We did not do this, but we went to the manufacturer, participated in production with him, pre-purchased, signed long-term contracts and tried to increase the capacity of the production line with this partnership.

Mohammad Khani added: In some sectors, we have directly imported with the personal assistance of Mr. Dr. Mezikian and the Central Bank. Because we felt that in the rice and meat sector, if we want to buy from the domestic market, in any case, the same red line will be broken and there will be interference in the market. Therefore, with the support of the government, we were able to directly import rice and meat, which had been stopped.

Stating that the municipality has created a storage capacity to supply the goods, he said: We were actually able to create this capacity and now, Alhamdulillah, we have these goods in our warehouses for several months. We can safely talk about the supply of goods and our aim is to maintain this capacity.

He considered the main goal of the plan to create mental peace for the citizens and stated: Our whole effort was to create mental peace for the people, especially the middle and weak classes of the society, in this economic war and all-out war, which is an important part of that economic war, and the other side has clearly stated that its main goal is the resilience of the Iranian society, especially the capital.

Mohammad Khani continued: We want to safely tell the people that no matter how long the turbulent economic conditions last, no matter how volatile the economic indicators are and no matter how high the currency price goes, we give you this commitment for at least six months that you can plan for your livelihood and your table from now on with a fixed price.

He added: "From now on, you can safely know that you will buy rice, pasta, beans or any of these items at the same price you are buying now, at the same price in March." This issue gives peace of mind to our dear citizens and fellow citizens and gives us a double motivation to continue this plan with strength.

The spokesperson of Tehran Municipality stated about the mechanism of rationing and preventing over-buying: Some criticize that the municipality thought that an idea has come to its mind that no one else has and they say that there is a possibility of arbitrage; That is, people buy and sell in secondary markets.

He added: In response to these dear ones, I will say that you thought that the zero inflation plan only came to our minds and not to others? These problems have also come to our mind. Very clearly, there is a quota. We brought this quota from the household basket. The statistical institutions of the country have calculations; For example, two kilos of rice, half a kilo of meat, 400 grams of oil and a combination of these goods are considered for each person per month. These calculations are based on the amount of calories consumed by each person during the month.

Mohammad Khani explained about how quotas are used: people have a specific quota that is activated every two months; This means that you can buy your family's two-month quota now when you visit Tarebar Square or wait until the next two months and buy the quota for the previous month and the current month. We also considered this two-month period to create more mental and spiritual peace for the citizens.

He continued: Citizens can refer to Shahrazad's super application and Shahrazad's software and see their quota. Of course, soon this possibility will be provided on POSE devices as well. This mechanism is based on the national code and information that already exists about families.

He emphasized: As we have said many times, this plan includes Tehrani citizens and residents of Tehran. This means that I, who live in Tehran, can use these goods at that price in a two-month period and I cannot buy more than my quota.

Mohammad Khani added: Naturally, individuals and families buy according to their needs, and there is no reason to buy more than they need. God forbid, we do not have a shortage in the country, and people's minds are easy. Finally, Tehran Municipality has given a guarantee and accepted a commitment. Citizens know with peace of mind that their product portfolio is provided with the same approved price until March and there is no need to worry.

Referring to other municipal support programs, the spokesperson of Tehran Municipality said: Several other plans are being implemented in parallel, all of which are primarily designed with the aim of increasing resilience and increasing the welfare of our dear people in this difficult situation.

He added: Tehran Municipality has two specific goals in this sector. First, to help the government as much as possible and to be with the government. We are sure that even the strongest governments with unlimited resources cannot solve all problems, let alone difficult situations and war situations.

Mohammad Khani continued: The next point is to be with the people in this difficult situation, to help the people and to be the shelter of the people; Not that God forbid we have a mentee. It is our duty to do this. All these schemes are implemented with the central idea of ​​helping the government, accompanying the people and creating a shield and protection belt for the people in this difficult situation.

He said about the "Ceshmroshani" plan: One of the plans that was announced is a plan called "Ceshmroshani" which specifically targets Tehrani mothers. Mothers who had a baby in 1405 and actually added a member or a new citizen to the citizens of Tehran.

He explained: All dear mothers who have given birth to a child since the beginning of the year, that is, since the first of April this year, are included in this plan. In this plan, their account is charged automatically in the Shahrazad system and they can receive their credit by entering the system.

Mohammad Khani added: From the beginning of October, two million and 500 thousand Tomans of purchase credit from Shahrvand stores will be allocated to them every month. That is, they can visit and make purchases, without restrictions in choosing the goods they want to buy. This is actually a gift from Tehran Municipality to dear mothers for shopping.

He continued: My guess is that, naturally, the items and things needed by the child are given priority in the family; For example, diapers, milk powder, milk bottles, etc. Of course, food may also be purchased, what's better; For the mother who is in the early months after giving birth and needs to be strengthened in terms of health.

Explaining the details of the credits allocated to mothers, the spokesperson of Tehran Municipality said: Two million and 500 thousand tomans of purchase credits will be allocated to mothers. In the same Shahrazad account, 500,000 Tomans have been allocated for the use of the cultural, artistic, entertainment and tourism capacities of Tehran, including Milad Tower, Book Garden and municipal cinemas. Mothers can use these municipal facilities.

He added: This credit is included in Shahrazad and is equivalent to 500 thousand Tomans. Mothers can use up to 500 thousand Tomans per month to use the cultural, artistic and recreational facilities of the municipality.

Mohammad Khani emphasized: This credit, unlike the zero inflation plan, does not burn and accumulates. For example, a mother may decide to use the cultural and artistic section after four months; In that case, he can use two million tomans of credit collected in four months.