Demonstrations erupted in several cities across the country Friday following Thursday's announcement by Iran's National Oil Company (NIOPDC) of at least a 50% increase in gas prices.
"Several" people have died in the protests, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said in a speech Sunday. In the province of Sirjan at least one person has been killed, the region's government has said.
More than 1,000 protesters have been arrested across the country, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. In Esfehan, 15 gas stations were stormed and set on fire.
Videos published by official Iranian media show protesters blocking main roads and causing traffic jams.
Meanwhile, Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli warned anyone targeting public and private property, adding that the security services will deal strictly.
"Demonstrations must be within the law, and the situation in its current form is not in favor of any party, the ministry was able to identify the leaders of rioters in the past two days and will deal with all," Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli added.
According to local reports, a man in Sirjan province was killed and several were injured after security forces opened fire on protesters on Friday and 10 protesters were killed in demonstrations on Saturday.
At least 1,000 protesters have been arrested so far across the country.