Citizens Outraged as Domestic Gas Prices Soar by 90% in Yemen's Aden, Accuse Government of Failing to Curb Trader Exploitation

The temporary Yemeni capital, Aden, is grappling with a severe domestic gas crisis as private gas station owners refuse to sell 20-liter cylinders for less than 14,000 Yemeni riyals—a staggering 90% increase from previous prices. This sharp rise has sparked widespread public outrage, with citizens accusing the Ministries of Oil and Interior of colluding with traders and failing to enforce price controls and oversight.

The crisis, which began over a week ago, has intensified just days before the start of the holy month of Ramadan, a period when demand for gas typically surges. Local sources told Khabar News Agency on Sunday, that private gas stations abruptly shut their doors to citizens and vehicle owners who rely on gas fuel, exacerbating the situation.

Exploitation Amid High Demand

Station owners have capitalized on the increased demand during Ramadan, with many claiming to have run out of stock while others raised prices from 7,500 riyals to 11,000 riyals per cylinder. This has led to long queues of desperate citizens searching for gas for cooking and transportation. By Sunday, some stations reopened briefly, selling cylinders at the inflated price of 14,000 riyals, further fueling public anger.

A Manufactured Crisis?

Sources revealed that the crisis appears to be orchestrated, with traders exploiting citizens' urgent needs in the absence of government intervention. Negotiations between government authorities and station owners to reduce the price to 8,500 riyals per cylinder—a 1,500 riyal increase from the previous rate—have failed, as traders rejected the proposal. Citizens view this as systematic extortion, accusing the government of inaction and complicity.

Many believe that station owners aim to permanently set the price at 14,000 riyals, citing the recent electricity crisis in mid-February as evidence of a pattern of manufactured crises designed to benefit influential figures. They argue that government authorities have the power to control monopolies and punish violators but are deliberately failing to act.

Calls for Accountability and Regulation
Citizens are demanding the formation of regulatory committees to enforce official prices and hold traders accountable. They emphasize that the government must not burden citizens with the consequences of the crisis, especially amid ongoing economic and living hardships. The crisis has now spread to neighboring governorates, including Lahj, Abyan, Shabwa, and Al-Dhale', worsening the plight of residents across the region.

Before the war in early 2015, the price of a gas cylinder ranged between 1,200 and 1,500 riyals. However, since the Houthi coup on September 21, 2014, prices have risen dramatically. Economic and security sources attribute the recurring crises to rampant corruption within the internationally recognized government, with influential forces allegedly manufacturing crises for personal financial gain.

Citizens accuse these forces of direct involvement in the gas crisis, colluding with traders and exchange companies to profit from price differences. They argue that the responsible authorities have become part of the problem rather than the solution, further eroding public trust.

Government Silence Fuels Anger

As of now, the relevant government authorities have not issued any official clarification regarding the crisis, deepening public frustration and accusations of negligence. The lack of transparency and accountability has left citizens feeling abandoned, with many calling for immediate action to address the crisis and prevent further exploitation.

The situation in Aden underscores the urgent need for effective governance and regulatory measures to protect citizens from economic exploitation and ensure stability in the face of ongoing challenges.