Iran's sudden petrol rationing in June 2007 triggered immediate civil unrest, exposing public anger over economic policy tied to the country's nuclear standoff.
Key Facts
- Petrol stations burned
- At least 12 in Tehran
- Monthly ration per motorist
- 100 litres
- Subsidised price per litre
- 1,000 rials (~US$0.11)
- Black market price (southeast)
- US$15 per five gallons
- Parliament's proposed price
- US$0.64 per litre (voted May 7)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Iranian government introduced sudden petrol rationing on 27 June 2007, citing the need to reduce the country's vulnerability to potential UN Security Council sanctions linked to its nuclear programme. Plans had been delayed for a year due to fear of public unrest, and parliament had earlier voted to raise prices instead, but President Ahmadinejad opted for rationing.
On the night rationing was announced, Iranians set fire to at least 12 petrol stations in Tehran and chanted slogans calling for Ahmadinejad's death. The sudden policy change caused chaos in public transportation, stranding commuters. Iranian newspapers criticised the decision despite government warnings not to cover the riots.
The riots revealed deep public frustration with economic mismanagement. Black markets for petrol emerged, with prices in southeastern Iran reaching US$15 for five gallons. Iranian newspapers openly questioned government competence, and the unrest highlighted the social costs of using fuel subsidies as a tool of political economy amid international pressure over the nuclear programme.
Political Outcome
Rationing was implemented despite violent protests; at least 12 petrol stations were burned and black markets emerged, but the government did not reverse the policy.