RFE/RL, January 15, 2011

Hundreds Protest In Afghanistan Over Iran’s Blocking Fuel Tankers

The demonstrators also condemned Iranian authorities for allegedly mistreating Afghan refugees living in Iran

HERAT -- More than 500 people have protested in Herat against Iran's weeks-long blockage of hundreds of fuel tankers seeking to enter Afghanistan, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan reports.

An estimated 500 protesters gathered in Herat to show their displeasure over the Iranian blockade.

Protesters told RFE/RL that Iran's actions have created painful fuel shortages at a time of high demand during winter.

The demonstrators also condemned Iranian authorities for allegedly mistreating Afghan refugees living in Iran.

Another protest rally took place in the city of Gardez, in Paktika Province.

Iran has said the slowdown in letting fuel trucks across the border is due to "technical problems."

But some Afghan officials have suggested that Iran could be blocking fuel exports to Afghanistan out of concern that the fuel is being funneled to NATO forces.

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