Diesel Crisis in Yemen

Throughout most major cities in Yemen, gas stations have stopped selling diesel to customers, hoping to sell it for more in a week span when prices rise 50 percent. Even in the capital Sana'a, only one gas station sold diesel while others stopped. Al-Tawfik gas station saw lines of over 100 cars waiting to fill up their vehicle.

If their prediction is true, and prices do rise, the country will face major setbacks from all angles. The last two years have already been unstable for Yemen, and a large part of it is due to the weak economic situation, where prices have risen over 100 percent.

What makes this matter important is that if the prices of diesel and petrol are raised, it will cause everything in the country to rise in price. Experts expect to see a 25 percent rise in all goods if the price of diesel increases.

Put yourself in the shoes of a normal Yemeni citizen who has an average monthly salary of $125. Would it be enough to payoff his house rent, or to support his family?

We certainly hope the prices do not increase, because if they do, it could eventually cause a major blow to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's rule in Yemen, and open doors for opposition members in exile to strengthen their grip over this lost country.