Mohamed Ahmed _ Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, confirmed the continuous review of ration card data and the purification of the subsidy system, explaining that exclusion is not carried out arbitrarily, but rather based on specific criteria including family income, assets, and social status, according to the data available to state authorities.
More than 57 million citizens benefit from commodity subsidies
Farouk stated that more than 57 million citizens benefit from commodity subsidies, while spending on cash subsidies and bread subsidies exceeded 210 billion pounds, reflecting the volume of resources allocated to meet basic needs and strengthen the social protection system.
This came during the Minister's participation in the session "Market Regulation and a More Effective Social Protection System", within the activities of the third day of the "Egypt 2026 Forum", where he reviewed efforts to develop the subsidy system, improve mechanisms for identifying beneficiaries, and direct support to the most vulnerable groups.
Beneficiaries of the "Takaful and Karama" program represent the largest segment among ration subsidy recipients
Farouk explained that beneficiaries of the "Takaful and Karama" program represent the largest segment among ration subsidy recipients, followed by vulnerable families, which reflects the integration between the supply system and social protection programs directed at the most needy groups.
He pointed out that the government is working to raise the efficiency of managing resources allocated for subsidies, while ensuring the continued provision of basic commodities and subsidized bread, and improving the targeting of support according to approved eligibility criteria.
The Minister of Supply stressed the importance of data exchange and standardization of criteria among government entities, enabling a more comprehensive picture of the economic and social conditions of families, and helping to identify beneficiaries with greater precision.
He added that the integration of databases contributes to raising the efficiency of directing available resources, ensuring that subsidies reach the most needy groups, thereby supporting the efficiency of public spending and enhancing the effectiveness of social protection programs.
He emphasized that the state will continue its efforts to develop the ration subsidy system, achieve a balance between maintaining the provision of basic commodities and subsidized bread, and improve targeting mechanisms to ensure that support is directed to those who deserve it.
