IT’S almost night-time in Teheran, Iran. However, the majority of residents are still competing. Driving all sorts of vehicles, they cram petrol stations and there are seemingly unmoving queues. This is because, ever since June 27 last year, people can no longer buy as much petrol as they want. Everyone has to abide by their quota, even government officials.

Three months earlier, the government of Iran had already announced its plans to limit