Gas is cheap in Iran - well, if you can get it

Look at this interesting graphic from Foreign Policy comparing what it costs to fill up a Honda Civic:



But as was widely reported today, while Iranians may have about the lowest gas prices in the world, Tehran just announced last night that gas rations would now be in effect.

Apparently some Iranians weren't too happy about this - up to 17 gas stations were reportedly set on fire by people protesting the government's new policy. As the Associated Press reports via the International Herald Tribune:

The president has come under growing criticism _ even from conservatives who once supported him _ for dramatically rising housing and food prices in the past year. Many fear the increase in fuel costs will further increase inflation.

"This man, Ahmadinejad, has damaged all things. The timing of the rationing is just one case," said Reza Khorrami, a 27-year-old teacher who was among those lining up at one Tehran gas station before midnight on Tuesday.

I'm reminded of the line from Hamlet. Ahmadinejad now seems to be in the process of hoisting himself with his own petard.