'Death to America and Israel’ echoes in mass protests across Iran
Tehran: Thousands of Iranians gathered in several cities to mourn Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following reports of his death in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to state media and international news agencies.
Crowds were seen assembling in Tehran and other provinces, chanting slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” as authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period.
Thousands of people also gathered in Yasuj city in central Iran to mark the beginning of the mourning period, according to local media reports. A video clip published by Tasnim News Agency showed large crowds assembling in the city and participating in mourning rituals. Footage captured mourners beating their heads and chests, a traditional practice observed during periods of grief in Iran.
Similar scenes were reported in Lorestan province, the Tehran Times reported, with gatherings held to commemorate the leader.
Reuters reported that Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death early Sunday. A senior Israeli official told the agency that the Iranian leader’s body had been located following strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had worked closely with Israel in targeting Iran’s top leadership.
Images published by international photo agencies showed mourners holding portraits of Khamenei and waving Iranian flags, while security forces maintained a presence around major gathering points.
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Commercial LPG price hiked by Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder
New Delhi (PTI): The price of commercial LPG was hiked by the steepest ever Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder on Friday, marking the third straight monthly increase due to rising global energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.
A 19-kg commercial LPG - used by establishments such as hotels and restaurtants - now costs a record Rs 3,071.5 in Delhi as against Rs 2,078.50 previously.
Rates were last increased by 195.50 per cylinder on April 1. Prior to that, prices had gone up by Rs 114.5 per 19-kg cylinder on March 1.
In three increases, commercial LPG rates have gone up by Rs 1,303.
Prices of domestic cooking gas LPG - the one used in household kitchens - remained unchanged. Domestic LPG rates were last hiked by Rs 60 per 14.2-kg cylinder on March 7. It costs Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi.
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum revise ATF and LPG prices on the first day of every month based on international benchmarks and the exchange rate.
Global oil prices have shot up almost 50 per cent after the war in West Asia disrupted energy supply chains.
Petrol and diesel prices continue to remain frozen after a Rs 2 per-litre reduction in March last year; petrol currently costs Rs 94.72 per litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 87.62.
