Gas Shortage Deepens in Aden Ahead of Ramadan

A severe household gas crisis continues to grip Yemen’s interim capital, Aden, as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, with the shortage now stretching into its third consecutive month and showing no signs of resolution. The prolonged disruption has sparked serious questions over the government’s ability to respond effectively.

The crisis began on November 27, 2025, when the internationally recognized Yemeni government attributed the blockage to armed tribal groups in Abyan and Marib provinces, allegedly obstructing fuel convoys bound for Aden and neighboring governorates. Despite the passage of months, these explanations remain unchanged, with no detailed clarifications or decisive measures announced to break the deadlock.

Local sources report that the situation has recently reached its peak, with dozens of vehicles lining up in long queues outside a handful of partially operating stations, while most commercial outlets remain shuttered without clear justification. According to residents, the few stations that open do so for limited hours, fueling suspicions of a deliberately manufactured crisis possibly backed by influential station owners and official actors, amid notable government silence and lack of regulatory enforcement.

Although the government continues to blame tribal factions for the disruption, it has yet to identify the groups involved or outline the nature of the obstacles. No security operations or meaningful tribal negotiations have been announced, leaving the issue clouded in ambiguity.

In late January, the Yemeni Gas Company announced the arrival of 406 fuel trucks, but the relief lasted less than 24 hours before the shortage returned with greater intensity.

The crisis has driven the price of a 20-liter gas cylinder to exceed 10,000 rials in some areas, compared to the official rate of 7,500 rials, compounding the economic strain on households already struggling under deteriorating living conditions. Drivers said that queues can last more than 24 hours, only to end abruptly when stations close, citing depleted supplies or restricted operating hours.

The worsening shortage, coupled with the absence of transparent government action, has heightened public frustration and raised fears of deeper instability as Ramadan nears.