Angry Iranians burn petrol station over rationing

Reuters: Angry Iranians set fire to a Tehran petrol station and chanted anti-government slogans in a northwest area of the capital on Tuesday in protest against fuel rationing introduced in OPEC’s number two oil producer. By Donna Smith

TEHRAN (Reuters) – Angry Iranians set fire to a Tehran petrol station and chanted anti-government slogans in a northwest area of the capital on Tuesday in protest against fuel rationing introduced in OPEC’s number two oil producer.

A witness said flames rose from the gasoline station in Pounak, a poorer area of the capital, with cars burning inside.

Some youths hurled stones and chanted, “Guns, fireworks, tanks, (President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad should be killed”, the witness said.

Another witness said riot police had gathered near the gasoline station and sought to push the rioters back.

Before rationing was introduced, some media reported scuffles at petrol stations between drivers queuing to stock up. State TV said on Tuesday rationing would start at midnight, prompting drivers to rush to fill up before the deadline.

The second witness cited reports of Iranians attacking another fuel station in Tehran, but gave no further details. That report could not be independently confirmed.