Aden Gas Crisis Deepens Amid Long Queues and Proposed Local Fees

The domestic gas crisis in the city of Aden has entered its third week, characterized by extensive queues at distribution stations and allegations of supply hoarding for the black market. Concurrently, local authorities are moving to implement additional fees on gas sales.

Commercial sources revealed that the local authority has requested the Yemen Gas Company to impose an additional fee of 100 Yemeni Rials per liter for domestic gas consumption and 500 Yemeni Rials per liter for large consumers. These revenues are intended for the local authority. The destination of these additional revenues remains unclear, as it has not been determined whether they will be remitted to the general treasury or collected through a separate account managed by the local authority.

This situation unfolds as Aden residents face escalating difficulties in obtaining gas. Dozens of vehicles and individuals queue for hours at distribution stations, from early morning until late evening in some areas. Some individuals are forced to leave without their required supplies due to depleted stock or the end of operating hours.

The repercussions have extended to vehicle fuel, resulting in further congestion at filling stations and a reduction in the number of available taxis on the streets, as drivers endure prolonged waits for fuel.

Citizens and business owners accuse some distribution stations of withholding available supplies and diverting them to the black market, where the price of a gas cylinder reportedly reaches approximately 15,000 Yemeni Rials, compared to about 9,000 Yemeni Rials at official stations. Those making these accusations link the crisis to delays in the arrival of supplies originating from Marib Governorate.

Indicating the volume of supplies received by the city, a document shows that the total quantity of gas entering Aden between January 1 and August 10, 2026, amounted to 832,563 cylinders. These figures raise questions about the reasons for the persistent gas shortage despite these arrivals, and whether the problem lies with the supply itself or with distribution mechanisms, sales practices, and market oversight.

Details regarding the Yemen Gas Company's stance or the Aden local authority's position on the proposed fees, as well as accusations of supply hoarding and off-market sales, were not immediately available. The gas crisis occurs at a time when Aden is grappling with recurrent essential service disruptions and rising living costs, exacerbating economic pressures on households, drivers, and commercial enterprises.