Azerbaijan, Baku, April 19/Trend M. Moezzi
At a meeting with the nation's governors, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his administration plans to finish 800 large-scale projects before the end of his term, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reports.
The president urged governors to be vigilant against price gouging on essential goods needed by the public. Mr. Ahmadinejad said his administration plans to add 2 million hectares to Iran's agricultural lands this year (Iran's solar year ended on March 19) and reminded the governors that their cooperation will be crucial in carrying out the project.
In other comments, the president said his administration is determined to start the second phase of the government's targeted subsidies program. The program pays Iranians about $37 (USD) a month as subsidies for energy and some commodities are removed. Phase 2 would usher in higher gas, petrol, water and electricity prices while paying some Iranians $28 in cash each month.
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