Iranian government has slowed down the fuel traffiking to key border crossings so much that the fuel prices in parts of Afghanistan have incresed the price by 50%. It has even gotten so high that gas stations in some places are shutting down and causing problems to those driving in the area. Not only is it hurting the drivers in the area, but things such as heating and irrigation for farmers are affected as well.
This also hurts the relationship between Iran and Afghanistan because there is so much of a strain. The border agents started restricting tankers from crossing borders in early December so now Afghanistan is forced to ask for fuel from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan that have to travel from the north along dangerous highways.
The reason the tankers are being stopped by Iranian border agents is because they are concerned they are being used for NATO military services. Both Afghanistan and NATO have denied it. This restriction is also osting Afghanistan money in lost customs fees. The restriction is worrying farmers because they need the diesel pumps for irrigation and most are leaning towards cultivating poppies now.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/world/asia/10afghan.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=world
Jessica Connor
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