Salary of $90 and fuel that has become more expensive: the anger in Iran is growing

The doubling of the price of gasoline for those exceeding the subsidized quota has sparked a wave of anger in Iran. Police forces, Basij, and special units have been deployed at gas stations across the country. Residents warn of a chain of price hikes and recall the 2019 protests, in which about 1,500 people were killed in the crackdown.

The doubling of the price of gasoline for drivers exceeding the monthly subsidized quota, from 50,000 to 100,000 rials per liter, took effect on Monday, just two days after it was announced. In response, security forces deployed a heavy presence around gas stations in major cities: Mashhad, Tehran, Shiraz, Karaj, Khomein, Isfahan, Abadan, and Qeshm. Residents reported police cars, Basij motorcyclists, and special forces moving non-stop. The price hike comes amid fuel supply disruptions in recent weeks, including station closures and long queues. The average monthly salary in Iran is about 250 million rials (about $113), and many workers earn only about 200 million rials (about $90). Citizens warn that the increase in transportation costs will raise the price of food, travel, and services. The main concern is a return to the 2019 protests, when a similar increase led to nationwide demonstrations in which about 1,500 people were killed in the crackdown. First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref defended the price hike, arguing that even the new price is significantly lower than the cost of importing gasoline.