Iranians are protesting their government for rationing gas and greatly increasing its price, with many concerned that the move will lead to inflation and greater hardship in a country where so many people are struggling to make ends meet.
The state-run National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company said in an overnight announcement on November 15 that each motorist in Iran will have to pay 15,000 rials ($0.127) per liter of gas for their first 60 liters each month, an increase of more than 33 percent over the current price.
Each additional liter over 60 each month will cost 30,000 rials ($0.254) — an increase of nearly 300 percent over prices before the announcement.
Gas prices for taxis and ambulances will be 15,000 rials ($0.127) a liter for up to 500 liters per month before hitting the higher rate.
The move comes amid crippling U.S. sanctions that have resulted in a devastating decline in Iran’s oil income — with Iranian President Hassan Rohani complaining earlier this week that Iran is experiencing its most difficult times since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
