Domestic Gas Crisis Intensifies in Aden as Prices Surge Amid Shortages

A severe domestic gas crisis has gripped Yemen’s interim capital, Aden, for the third consecutive week, forcing residents into long queues and driving the price of a 20-liter cylinder to 18,500 Yemeni rials on the black market.

The scarcity of cooking gas has severely impacted daily life, with citizens reporting significant difficulties in securing supplies through official channels. On Wednesday, large crowds were observed at distribution points across various districts, as the delayed arrival of allocated quantities continues to disrupt the supply chain and exacerbate the shortage for local households.

The crisis has extended beyond residential needs, severely affecting the transportation sector. Drivers are currently facing long wait times at refueling stations, where limited supplies and slow distribution processes have hampered operations. In response to the fuel instability, some transport operators have increased fares between districts from 500 to 700 rials, citing the rising cost of fuel and the lack of official oversight.

Residents have expressed deep concern over the escalating cost of living, noting that the black market has become the primary source for gas due to the failure of official outlets to meet demand. Many citizens have called on government authorities to intervene immediately to restore supply regularity, enhance oversight of distribution networks, and implement measures to curb hoarding and price gouging.

Public dissatisfaction is mounting as the burden of rising transportation costs and essential goods places additional strain on employees, students, and low-income families. Local stakeholders are demanding urgent, sustainable solutions to stabilize the market and ensure that essential energy supplies are accessible to the public at regulated prices.