Gas crisis persists in southern Yemen for ninth month

A severe shortage of domestic and automotive gas has persisted in Yemen's southern governorates, including Aden, Lahj, and Abyan, for nine consecutive months. The crisis has caused near-total paralysis in transportation and disrupted local markets as citizens face long queues and difficulty accessing essential fuel.

In Aden, while 21 stations reported availability of certain quantities of gas on Monday, the supply remains insufficient to meet the high demand. This has resulted in massive crowds and long wait times at filling stations. Residents have reported having to leave vehicles and gas cylinders at stations for days to secure their turn.

Despite the Yemen Gas Company announcing that maintenance at the Safer facility in Marib has concluded and central supply has resumed, the southern provinces have not seen a significant improvement in availability. Concerns are growing that the crisis may worsen due to increased demand from displaced populations moving toward Aden, Lahj, and Abyan from conflict zones in Taiz and the West Coast.