The Central Bank of Iran said it paid importers of essential goods $6.5 billion via the special Nima market since January 1.
"The money was given for importing raw material, medicine and other basic goods, namely wheat, rice, feedstock," the CBI said Wednesday on its website.
Almost $500 million was paid for bringing in pharmaceuticals, raw material for producing medicine, vaccines, baby formula and other goods ordered by the Ministry of Health.
The major part of the forex ($4 billion) went for raw material for industries, including fibers, wool, rubber and material for tire companies along with machinery and equipment.