Iran’s government has approved a new plan allowing citizens to purchase essential goods on credit, according to Iranian media reports published on April 29, 2026. Under the scheme, families receiving government assistance will be able to buy basic items from shops every two months on credit, with the government acting as a guarantor for repayment. The value of purchases cannot exceed the amount of assistance each family receives. Funding for the initiative will come from private companies.
The decision comes as prices of many goods in Iran have risen sharply in recent weeks. Tehran-based newspaper Donya-e-Eqtesad has presented three possible inflation scenarios for the current year. It reported that if Iran reaches an agreement with the United States, inflation could be contained at around 49 percent. If the current “no war, no peace” situation continues, inflation may rise to 67 percent. However, if conflict intensifies, the country could face hyperinflation, with rates potentially reaching 123 percent.
The plan aims to ease short-term financial pressure on low-income families while broader economic uncertainties persist.