Iran: Kerosene shortage spurs thriving resale market

…Lines at the stations often stretch for blocks, and fuel can take all day to get.

That’s why many Iraqis are willing to pay a premium to buy their fuel from men such as Moayid Ouda, Sha’alan’s owner, who sells a liter of kerosene for around 80 cents.

“The fuel and kerosene crisis drew a lot of people to this business,” Ouda said.

So many, in fact, that prices for donkeys and horses have soared since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Hardan Karrar, another kerosene vendor, said he has been amazed by the flood of new vendors trying to break into the trade.

Karrar’s horse, which could be sold for $100 to $250 before 2003, today would bring $8,000 on the open market, he said.

USA Today