Houthis raise petrol and diesel prices in areas under their control

Houthi authorities have raised petrol and diesel prices in areas under their control in northern and western Yemen, marking the first fuel price hike in almost three years, according to residents and an official from the group's oil company who spoke to Reuters.

The decision took effect on Monday, increasing the price of a 20-liter petrol canister at government-run stations to 10,500 riyals, up from 9,500 riyals previously—a rise of 1,000 riyals, or 10.53 percent. The price of a 20-liter diesel canister rose to 11,500 riyals from 9,500 riyals, an increase of 2,000 riyals, or 21 percent.

Residents in Sanaa said the increases apply to both government and private stations in Houthi-held areas, amid ongoing conflict and worsening economic and humanitarian conditions, raising concerns over higher living costs and increased prices for transporting goods and essential services.

Under the new pricing, a liter of petrol now costs 520 riyals, while a liter of diesel is 575 riyals. The price of a petrol canister is roughly $19.60, compared to about $22 for a diesel canister, according to residents cited by Reuters.

An official from the Houthi-run oil company in Sanaa attributed the rise in imported petrol prices to higher global fuel prices driven by regional tensions, as well as increased transportation costs for fuel brought overland from government-controlled areas in southern and eastern Yemen.

The price hike has sparked anger among residents and activists in Sanaa, which, along with most of Yemen's densely populated north, is under Houthi control. Many fear the higher fuel prices will further drive up living and transport costs.

Saeed Ahmed, a government employee living in Sanaa, told Reuters that the increase in petrol and diesel prices "will double the cost of living, especially as purchasing power has collapsed and public sector salaries have not been paid in Houthi-controlled areas for years."

He added: "We are struggling to survive with the bare minimum, and after nearly 12 years of this senseless war, the fuel price hike only adds to our suffering and pain."

The fuel price increases coincide with ongoing military escalation along Yemen's western coast since last week, which the United Nations says has displaced tens of thousands of civilians.