Police and riot police in front of some gas stations an hour after the sudden increase in gasoline prices
Just hours after the Iranian government abruptly raised gasoline prices, images and public reports show a large presence of law enforcement and riot police across the country. VOA cannot independently verify these reports.
Without prior announcement, the Iranian government suddenly announced on Friday morning, November 14, that the price of regular, non-quota or free gasoline would be 3,000 tomans per liter. This means tripling the price of free gasoline. Previously, the price of non-quota gasoline was 1,000 tomans per liter. The price of regular, quota gasoline was announced at 1,500 tomans per liter.
This price increase and rationing was carried out without prior announcement. It seems that the Rouhani government and other powers agreed with this decision. According to the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company, the gasoline price increase was based on a resolution of the Supreme Council for Economic Coordination of the Heads of Power.
By decision of the Supreme Council for Economic Coordination of the Heads of State, gasoline has been rationed for all gasoline-powered vehicles.
According to the new list, the car quota will be as follows:
- Personal gasoline vehicle, 60 liters
- Dual fuel personal vehicle, 30 liters
- Gasoline taxi, 400 liters
- Dual fuel taxi, 200 liters
- Motorcycle, 25 liters
- Low-consumption gasoline pickup truck, 200 liters
- High-consumption pickup truck, 300 liters
In the new announcement, the price of rationed gasoline has increased by 50 percent compared to before, and the price of free gasoline has tripled.
The Islamic Republic's oil revenue has declined sharply in the past year due to US sanctions.
The United States says the Islamic Republic is spending its country's wealth on supporting terrorist groups and destabilizing the Middle East instead of its people. President Trump has offered direct talks with Iranian officials, but Ayatollah Khamenei has opposed any negotiations.
Source: Voice of America
