Iranian opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karrubi discussed the economic innovations in the country and criticized its impact, the official website of the opposition Kalemi reported.
They appreciated the decision of reducing subsidies due to the global economic recession, but expressed concern about their consequences in the current unstable economic conditions in the country.
According to them, the international sanctions imposed on Iran, following its nuclear enrichment program could lead to an inflation rate as high as 30 percent.
Moreover, Mousavi and Karrubi criticized the economic experts' assessment of the consequences in the Iranian government.
The announcement to reduce state subsidies for the Iranian public was made on Dec. 19, implying that there will be a fourfold increase in petrol costs and cuts in the discounts on food prices.
Roughly 60 liters of gasoline at a subsidized price equivalent to 40 U.S. cents per liter will be allocated for every car in Iran monthly in the coming year, with the fuel cost about 1,000 riyals (10 cents) per liter in the previous yearrs. This price was maintained for the first 60 liters purchased per month and then witnessed an increase.
According to the website of the Iranian Oil Ministry, gasoline consumption declined by 16.6 percent on the first day after the prices increased. On Sunday, gasoline consumption amounted to 53.3 million liters, which was 10.6 million liters less than the previous figure.