Staple food and fuel prices generally stable in Al Hudaydah despite ongoing conflict

Large populations in Yemen continue to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity. As worst affected households begin to exhaust their coping capacity, populations may begin to move into Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) even in the absence of additional disruptions. In a worst-case scenario, significant declines in commercial imports below requirement levels and conflict that cuts populations off from trade and humanitarian assistance for an extended period could drive food security outcomes in line with Famine (IPC Phase 5).

Al Hudaydah and Salif ports remain open as of July 25 according to UNVIM, although conflict continues near Al Hudaydah City. Field reports indicate the parties to conflict have constructed barriers along some key trade routes, including between Al Hudaydah and Sana’a City. However, at present, field reports indicate that trade continues along these routes. Should conflict increase and significantly disrupt trade along these routes for a prolonged period of time, the availability and price of key commodities on key markets would likely be significantly impacted.

According to preliminary data collected in mid-July, the price of wheat flour in Al Hudaydah City was similar to levels observed in May prior to the ongoing offensive, and in mid-June once the offensive began. The price of petrol and diesel have increased slightly, by approximately two to six percent. In Sana’a City, the price of wheat flour remained unchanged compared to May 2018, and diesel and petrol prices increased slightly by four to six percent compared to May.