Iran’s Khamenei backs petrol price hike decision: state TV

Tehran, Nov 17 (AFP/APP): Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday voiced support for a decision to impose petrol price hikes and rationing that sparked protests across the Islamic republic.

“I am not an expert and there are different opinions but I had said that if the heads of the three branches make a decision I will support it,” he said in a speech aired on state television.

Iran moves on ultra-cheap petrol

Protests flared across Iran after the price hike agreed by the High Council of Economic Coordination made up of the president, parliament speaker and judiciary chief was announced at midnight on Friday.

“The heads of the branches made a decision with the backing of expert opinion and naturally it must be implemented,” said Khamenei.