Iran deploys police and Basij to fuel stations as gasoline price doubles
Iranian authorities placed police, special units and Basij forces at gas stations nationwide after the price for fuel outside the subsidised quota rose from 50,000 to 100,000 rials per litre, prompting concerns over household budgets.
Police, special units and Basij militia were observed around fuel stations in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Karaj, Isfahan, Tabriz, Birjand, Khorramabad, Khomein, Abadan and Qeshm as the new gasoline price took effect on Monday. Residents reported a heavy security presence, including armed personnel and motorcycles, at many stations, and some cities experienced slower internet connections.
The price for gasoline purchased beyond the monthly subsidised allocation doubled to 100,000 rials (about 4.5 US cents) per litre, while the subsidised quota of 60 litres remains priced at 15,000 rials per litre and an additional 50 litres at 30,000 rials. Average monthly wages in Iran are estimated at around 250 million rials, roughly $110.
"Even 100,000 rials per litre remains far below the government's cost of importing gasoline," First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said, adding that imported fuel costs the state more than 700,000 rials per litre.
The security deployments follow earlier disruptions to fuel supplies that led to station closures, long queues and purchase limits in several provinces. Citizens expressed worries that higher transport costs could raise prices for food and other goods, noting recent increases in the price of cooking oil.
Analysts have questioned the government's stated production costs, citing refinery financial data that suggest operating expenses are far lower than official figures. The move comes after a 2019 fuel price hike sparked nationwide protests that were met with a severe security crackdown.