Protests in Iran after the decision to legalize the distribution of gasoline and raise prices

Some Iranian cities and towns have rallied in protest against the government's decision to regulate the distribution of fuel, which came into effect on Friday and led to higher prices by 50% or more, in a move aimed at reducing the costly subsidies that caused fuel consumption and the spread of smuggling.

Some local sites reported that citizens gathered in the cities of Mashhad, Shiraz, Sirjan and Kerman, and chanted slogans condemning the decision.

On the other hand, said the social aide to the internal security forces that the country is in stable security conditions, and denied reports that protesters burned some gas stations, while the government spokesman stressed that the rise in gasoline prices will not be associated with raising the prices of any other goods.

The National Oil Company of Iran announced the increase of gasoline prices by 50%, up to 60 liters per month, and 300% for those who exceed the monthly quota subsidized by the state.

Mohammad Nubakht, head of Iran's Planning and Budgeting Organization, said the decision to raise gasoline prices was approved by the Supreme Council for Economic Coordination, which consists of the heads of the three authorities.

President Hassan Rouhani said during a cabinet meeting, as quoted by the official news agency that "the increase in the price of oil (...) allows to help groups of society in difficulty", or 75% of the population.

"No one should imagine that the government is doing this because it faces economic difficulties," Rouhani said.

Gasoline prices in Iran are among the cheapest in the world due to heavy subsidies and the devaluation of their currency, but the country is struggling with rampant fuel smuggling to neighboring countries.

Despite its huge energy reserves, Iran has been struggling for years to meet domestic fuel demand due to lack of refining capacity and international sanctions that limit the availability of spare parts for complex maintenance.

US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from an international nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on its vital oil industry and other sectors.