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Three-minute read<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Iran\u2019s clerical regime faces mounting economic challenges with a growing budget deficit, compounded by costly regional interventions and dwindling domestic resources. In an attempt to address these shortfalls, authorities have leaned towards raising the prices of essential goods, particularly fuel, sparking fears among citizens that the state may once again shift its fiscal burdens onto the public. Yet, even as officials float the prospect of price hikes, contradictory statements from within the regime reveal a struggle with internal uncertainty and anxiety over how such measures could trigger unrest reminiscent of the 2019 protests<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hossein Raghfar, an economist linked to the regime, directly associated Iran\u2019s economic strain with its heavy regional spending, stating, \u201cThe budget has surged abnormally, and the government lacks sufficient resources, especially now that the region faces crises in Lebanon and Palestine. The country\u2019s foreign currency expenditures have increased sharply, and the government does not have sufficient resources. As a result, it resorts to increasing the price of currency and energy carriers, including gasoline.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During his introduction of the budget bill, <\/span>Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted<\/span><\/a> the pressing need for energy subsidy reforms, citing a marked rise in gasoline consumption without a corresponding increase in population or national income. \u201cOne of the current challenges is the reform of energy subsidies,\u201d he explained, noting that gasoline consumption this year has risen by approximately 40% compared to 2019. This spike has placed additional strain on national resources, given the substantial costs associated with producing and importing gasoline. Pezeshkian underscored that domestic production costs around 8,000 tomans per liter, while imports cost as much as 30,000\u201340,000 tomans per liter\u2014a discrepancy he argues must be addressed to stabilize the economy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Behbahan, southwest #Iran<\/a> — People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) November 16, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
Protesting the recent gasoline price hike, locals are seen torching the regime's Bank Melli branch & clashing with security forces.#IranProtests<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/mmr5iwjmH7<\/a><\/p>\n