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2 Iranian Gas Stations Burned Over RationingTEHRAN, June 27 — Angry drivers set fire to at least two gas stations overnight in Tehran after the government announced that gasoline rationing would begin Wednesday just after midnight. The state television news said Wednesday that “several gas stations and public places had been attacked by vandals.” While there were some reports that a large number of gas stations had been set on fire, only two fires were confirmed. The government had been planning for a year to put rationing into effect but held off because of concerns that it could cause unrest. Some officials indicated it might have been started now because of the threat of stronger economic sanctions by the United Nations over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran contends that its nuclear enrichment program is for civilian energy purposes, while the United States and some other Western nations contend that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. Under the new regulations announced by the Oil Ministry on Tuesday evening, private cars will be able to buy a maximum of 26 gallons of gasoline a month at the subsidized price of 34 cents per gallon. Taxis will be allowed 211 gallons a month. Parliament would have to determine whether individuals would be allowed to buy more at market rates. There were long lines at gas stations in Tehran on Wednesday, causing traffic jams, and the police moved in to control the lines. Iran is OPEC’s second-largest exporter of oil. But it needs to import half of its gasoline — at a cost of $5 billion a year — because of high consumption and low refining capabilities. Inflation in Iran had already been high, as a result of a combination of economic factors and government decisions. The price of dairy products like milk, butter and yogurt increased this week by at least 20 percent. Analysts had warned that the decision could have a direct impact on inflation. It was unclear what would happen to many unemployed people who use their private cars as taxis. The daily Ham-Mihan, a reformist newspaper, wrote on Wednesday that because of the many ambiguities in the new regulations, the decision could have a major effect on the economy and on people’s lives. Parliament met behind closed doors with the ministers of oil and intelligence on Wednesday to examine the consequences of the decision. The speaker of Parliament, Gholamali Hadad Adel, told reporters after the meeting that Parliament was determined to back the government. “The rationing can help reduce consumption,” he said, according to Parliament’s Web site. “It can also make us more independent and become less vulnerable in the international community against world powers.” Tag CloudExternal InformationAdditional InformationAfghanistan to Expel 2 Officials...Attacks in Iraq Continue, Killing Scores... A Rights Advocate’s Work Divides Dominicans... Marine Says His Staff Misled Him on Killings... Where Am I?News Main Page - Business - 2 Iranian Gas Stations Burned Over Rationing |
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