This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6243644.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Chaos as Iran starts fuel rations Protests at Iran fuel rationing
(about 5 hours later)
At least one petrol station has been set on fire in the Iranian capital, Tehran, after the government announced fuel rationing for private motorists.At least one petrol station has been set on fire in the Iranian capital, Tehran, after the government announced fuel rationing for private motorists.
Iranians were given only two hours' notice of the move that limits private drivers to 100 litres of fuel a month.Iranians were given only two hours' notice of the move that limits private drivers to 100 litres of fuel a month.
Despite its huge energy reserves Iran lacks refining capacity, forcing it to import about 40% of its petrol.Despite its huge energy reserves Iran lacks refining capacity, forcing it to import about 40% of its petrol.
Tehran is trying to rein in fuel consumption over fears of possible UN sanctions over its nuclear programme.Tehran is trying to rein in fuel consumption over fears of possible UN sanctions over its nuclear programme.
Iran fears the West could sanction its petrol imports and cripple its economy.Iran fears the West could sanction its petrol imports and cripple its economy.
'Dangerous move''Dangerous move'
The restrictions began at midnight local time on Wednesday (2030 GMT Tuesday).The restrictions began at midnight local time on Wednesday (2030 GMT Tuesday).
The BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran says there is anger and frustration the government did not give people more notice.The BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran says there is anger and frustration the government did not give people more notice.
Iran's petrol is heavily subsidised, sold at about a fifth of its real costEyewitnesses have seen at least one petrol station in the outskirts of the west of Tehran on fire and there are reports that three people died in the blaze. "Guns, fireworks, tanks, [President] Ahmadinejad should be killed," chanted angry youths, throwing stones at police.
Iran's petrol is heavily subsidised, sold at about a fifth of its real cost
Eyewitnesses have seen at least one petrol station in the outskirts of the west of Tehran on fire.
All over the city there are huge queues and reports of scuffles at petrol stations as motorists try to beat the start of the rationing and fill their tanks.All over the city there are huge queues and reports of scuffles at petrol stations as motorists try to beat the start of the rationing and fill their tanks.
Iran's petrol is heavily subsidised, sold at about a fifth of its real cost. So far there has been no announcement about whether Iranians can buy more petrol at the real market cost. "I think rationing is not bad by itself but it must be organised," one man told the Associated Press news agency.
Our correspondent says rationing fuel is only likely to add to high inflation and the rising cost of living. "One cannot announce at 9pm that the rationing would start at midnight, they should have announced the exact date at least two days earlier."
Iran's petrol is heavily subsidised, sold at about a fifth of its real cost.
The price of 1,000 rials ($0.11) per litre makes Iran one of the cheapest countries in the world for motorists.
So far there has been no announcement about whether Iranians can buy more petrol at the real market cost.
Licensed taxi drivers will be able to buy 800 litres a month at the subsidised price.
US pressure
Our correspondent says rationing fuel is only likely to add to high inflation.
It is a dangerous move for any elected government, especially in an oil-rich country like Iran where people think cheap fuel is their birthright and public transport is very limited, she says.It is a dangerous move for any elected government, especially in an oil-rich country like Iran where people think cheap fuel is their birthright and public transport is very limited, she says.
The US, which is leading efforts to pressure Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities, has said Iran's fuel imports are a point of "leverage".The US, which is leading efforts to pressure Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities, has said Iran's fuel imports are a point of "leverage".
Washington and other Western nations accuse the Islamic Republic of seeking to build nuclear weapons.Washington and other Western nations accuse the Islamic Republic of seeking to build nuclear weapons.
Iran says its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and is solely aimed at producing civilian nuclear power.Iran says its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and is solely aimed at producing civilian nuclear power.