Gasoline cut off for Iranians

In Tehran on Wednesday night, police fought the instigators of spontaneous riots that set fire to 12 gas stations. Three people died in the fire. The reason for the unrest was the government's decision to limit the sale of gasoline to private car owners to 100 liters per month starting yesterday. Authorities announced this two hours before midnight.

Iran, the world's fourth-largest oil exporter, imports about 40% of its gasoline consumption, citing a lack of refining capacity. The price for it is five times lower than the market price, and the authorities have not yet promised an increase in price. “Reducing gasoline consumption will reduce Iran's dependence on foreigners, prevent fuel smuggling and normalize road traffic,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Gholamali Haddad Adel said yesterday. He especially highlighted the first goal, recalling the bill adopted by the US Congress on Tuesday. The document provides for new economic sanctions against Iran and foreign companies collaborating with its oil and gas sector if the Iranian uranium enrichment program continues. Iran fears that the UN could use its dependence on gasoline imports to extract concessions on its nuclear program.

Alexey SLOBODIN