Newsbrief: Iran protesters furious with fuel price rise

by Zoey Yamamoto

(Photo: BBC)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced his support for a fuel price rise which triggered protests throughout the country, according to the BBC.

Khamenei has blamed “hooligans” and insurgents for violence within gasoline cities. On Friday protesters “erupted”, according to BBC, after the government declared it was restricting petrol and cutting off financial support- which sent prices up by 50%. The government claims “the changes will free up money to help the poor.”

Khamenei recognized some people were uncomfortable with this decision to increase fuel prices. Khamenei said, “The counter-revolution and Iran’s enemies have always supported sabotage and breaches of security and continue to do so.”

Some of the worst turmoil has been reported in the central city of Sirjan where at least one person has been killed during protests. Rallies saw cars set on fire and roads blocked. Protesters chanted for security forces to support them.

The revenue gained from restricting gasoline will be used for payments towards low-income households. US sanctions were re-imposed last year. It has led to a severe decline in Iran’s economy, pushing the value of its currency to record lows.