In Pictures

In Pictures: Iranians protest against increase in fuel prices

Demonstrators take to the streets in towns and cities across the country after surprise move to increase petrol prices.

Iranian protesters rally amid burning tires during a demonstration against an increase in gasoline prices, in the central city of Isfahan on November 16, 2019. - One person was killed and others injur — Iranian protesters rally against an increase in petrol prices, in the central city of Isfahan. [AFP]

Riot police and security forces clashed with demonstrators in Tehran and dozens of cities across Iran on Saturday, according to Iranian news agencies and social media reports, amid popular protests against a rise in petrol prices.

The reports said protesters chanted anti-government slogans in a number of locations around the country, a day after the government increased the price of regular petrol to 15,000 rials ($0.13) a litre from 10,000 rials and also rationed it.

State television said police clashed with what it called “rioters” in some cities and fired tear gas to disperse them.

One person was killed and several were wounded in the city of Sirjan in Kerman province on Friday, the ISNA news agency quoted a local official as saying.

The country’s economy has deteriorated since last year, when the United States pulled out of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and six other powers and reimposed sanctions.

An Iranian protester covers his face to protect himself from tear gas during a demonstration against an increase in gasoline prices in the capital Tehran, on November 16, 2019. - One person was killed — One person was killed and others injured in protests across Iran, hours after the decision to increase petrol prices by 50 percent for the first 60 litres and 300 percent for anything above that each month, and impose rationing. [AFP]

Iranian protesters gather around a fire during a demonstration against an increase in gasoline prices in the capital Tehran, on November 16, 2019. - One person was killed and others injured in protest — Iranian protesters gather around a fire during a demonstration in the capital, Tehran. Authorities said the price hike was aimed at helping poor citizens, and expected to generate 300 trillion rials ($2.55bn) annually. [AFP]

Iranian protesters gather around a burning car during a demonstration against an increase in gasoline prices in the capital Tehran, on November 16, 2019. - One person was killed and others injured in — State television said police clashed with what it called 'rioters' in some cities and fired tear gas to disperse them. [AFP]

Cars block a street during a protest against a rise in gasoline prices, in the central city of Isfahan, Iran, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Demonstrators angered by a 50% increase in government-set gasolin — Cars block a street during protests in Isfahan. The price hike was agreed by the High Council of Economic Coordination. [AP Photo]

Iranians fill their vehicles at a petrol station in Tehran, on November 15, 2019. - Iran imposed petrol rationing and raised pump prices by 50 percent or more today, in a new move to cut costly subsid — Petrol prices in the country remain among the cheapest in the world. [AFP]

This picture taken on November 16, 2019 shows an elevated view of a congested road in the Iranian capital Tehran amidst heavy snow. - Heavy snowfall blanketed the streets of north Tehran causing traff — The protests have renewed pressure on Iran’s government as it struggles to overcome US sanctions. [AFP]

A handout picture provided by the office of Iran''s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on November 17, 2019 shows him during speaking during a meeting with clerics at his Islamic Thoughts lecture in — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the increase in petrol prices was based on expert opinion and should be supported. [Handout via AFP]