Yemeni families burn firewood as Taiz faces fuel crisis

Residents of Taiz are burning firewood to cook basic meals after the city’s fuel stations closed in early October. The shift marks a sharp drop in purchasing power for families who previously relied on gas cylinders. Yousef Farhan, a 39-year-old father of four, said his household now eats only rice or beans because he can no longer afford variety.

The city lost both of its main land routes in early October. Houthi forces seized the town of al-Turbah on October 4, closing the primary road to Aden. The government loyalists closed the eastern al-Houban crossing on October 3, citing security concerns. These closures cut off the supply chain for Taiz, a city of approximately one million people.

The United Nations issued a warning on October 20 that the road closures were blocking vital supplies. Since the fighting escalated, prices for available food and fuel have more than doubled. Water production in the city dropped by half due to diesel shortages, which also halted the pumps that deliver drinking water.

Fuel costs have risen dramatically. A 20-liter container of petrol now sells for 120,000 riyals, quadrupling from last year’s price of 30,000 riyals. Diesel costs have nearly doubled to 90,000 riyals. A standard cooking gas cylinder, which was 11,400 riyals, now costs 40,000 riyals. Bus fares have also increased by 150 percent, rising from 200 riyals to 500 riyals per ride.

Sayyun Burhan, a 40-year-old resident, said her family lives day to day because work has become scarce. Her husband’s health issues prevent him from finding new employment, yet the family still must cover rent, food, and water costs. She reported that the price of water delivered by tankers has roughly tripled.

The shortage affects medical care as well. The World Health Organization reported on October 22 that 42 health facilities in Taiz are facing severe shortages of fuel, oxygen, and medicine. Fatima Khaled, a 55-year-old patient with kidney failure, sleeps on the floor of the dialysis hall at Al-Jumhuri General Hospital because she cannot afford housing near the facility. Local authorities stated that access restrictions are preventing tankers from entering the city from the Al-Dhabab basin.

The next major logistical hurdle involves reopening the land routes. Until the Taiz-Al-Turbah-Aden Road and other exits are accessible, residents will continue to rely on limited supplies and alternative cooking methods.