Sharp increases in fuel prices and humanitarian access constraints drive increased concern in northern Yemen

FEWS NET estimates that approximately 17 million people in Yemen would be in need of urgent action (IPC Phase 3 or higher) in the absence of ongoing humanitarian food assistance. Sa’ada and Hajjah governorates are in Emergency (IPC Phase 4), which is associated with large food consumption gaps and/or extreme depletion of livelihood assets. Of the remaining governorates in Crisis (IPC Phase 3), six would be in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) in the absence of ongoing assis

Fuel prices increased sharply in April 2019, particularly in northern areas of Yemen. Diesel prices increased by more than 60% in Sana’a City between March and April 2019 and by 45-55% in Al Hudaydah and Raymah governorates. Increases between 20 and 35% were observed in Dhamar, Al Jawf, Amran, and Marib. These substantial increases follow significant declines that occurred in late 2018. In April 2019, diesel prices in Al Hudaydah and Sana’a City were 50 percent higher than the 2018 average, and nearly 150% higher than the 2017 average. Initial information indicates that in recent weeks, fuel prices have returned to their March 2019 levels.

The recent increase in fuel prices was reportedly due to fuel shortages in northern Yemen associated with obtaining discharge permits from the government based in Aden. In late April, the Economic Committee in Aden (EC), permitted ships to partially discharge their fuel cargo in the Al Hudaydah seaports, which resulted in gradual increases in the availability of the fuel in this part of Yemen.  

On May 20, 2019, WFP announced the possibility of suspending its humanitarian aid in some areas of northern Yemen. WFP reports that there are disagreements with authorities in northern Yemen related to the selection of beneficiaries, and a biometric registration system which has already begun to be implemented in southern governorates. As a result, WFP indicates it is facing significant difficulty targeting assistance to those most in need and is considering suspending delivery of humanitarian assistance in some northern areas. Negotiations to resolve the issue are ongoing.