1.
GV Teheran oil refinery and sign (TWO SHOTS)
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GV refinery (THREE SHOTS)
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GV people queue for paraffin.. PAN TO people holding containers (TWO SHOTS)
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SV INTERIOR of shop
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SV PAN people waiting to be served
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Initials KM/1645



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In Iran, the city of Teheran remained relatively quiet over the weekend (16 and 17 December) after being wracked by violence and mass demonstrations against the Shah. But more strikes and demonstrations were expected on Monday (18 December) in mourning for those who died in earlier violence. Shops and offices had opened again for business, but in this oil-rich country, fuel was scarce.

SYNOPSIS: While the capital took on a semblance of normal life the oil industry remained largely inactive. During the respite oil production rose slightly, to about 1.6 million barrels a day. But this was still well below Iran's normal daily output of six million barrels.

Lost production has forced Iran to import kerosene, paraffin and other fuel oil. But these commodities remain scarce, and queues form while stocks last. The strike has cost Iran an estimated 60 million dollars (30 million pounds) each day in lost production. Elsewhere in Teheran, most commercial banks were back in business, although Iran's Central Bank stayed closed. A go-slow continued at the ministries of Commerce, Finance, Economic Affairs and Industry and Mines, while the shops remained low on fuel.

Oilmen said it could take several days to tell whether the government would succeed in ending the two week oil refinery stoppage.