The Government temporarily reduced tariffs on imports of basic food commodities to limit price increases ahead of the new Iranian year starting on 21 March. Tariffs on imports of white rice will be reduced to 26 percent from 40 percent and those on meat and brown rice to 5 percent from 26 percent and 32 percent respectively. The Iranian Government has also removed the IRR 5 000 per kg (USD 154 per tonne) surcharge on rice imports. Bananas, butter, pulses and sugar will also benefit from temporary tariff reductions. These reductions are likely to be reinstated in 2-3 months time.