Iranian Police On Alert as Government Cutbacks Begin

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Witnesses say Iranian police increased their presence on the streets of the capital, Tehran, Sunday as the government’s cutbacks in subsidies began to take effect.

President Mahmound Ahmadinejad announced cutbacks in energy and food subsidies late Saturday.

Under Mr. Ahmadinejad’s new austerity measures, gasoline went up fourfold Sunday to 40 cents a liter for the 60 liters per month of subsidized fuel each driver is allowed. Beyond that, motorists pay 70 cents per liter, compared to 40 cents before.

Three years ago when Iran implemented a fuel rationing system, protesters set some gas stations on fire.

Witnesses say police have moved across Tehran in anticipation of possible unrest.

There have been no immediate reports of violence or arrests.

VOA

The VOA is the Voice of America

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