Hundreds of vehicles were seen lining up in long rows waiting before petrol stations in the capital Sana'a this week for diesel fueling. Others were carrying barrels or big containers on their vehicles to fill them fearing a possible increase in diesel prices or a crisis.

Deputy Minister of Oil and Minerals Ahmed Abdullah Dares told media that the provisions of oil derivatives are stable and hinted that diesel is available in all petrol stations at their usual price, especially after 50,000 ton of diesel arrived to Aden at the end of last week. 

Dares pointed out that the increased demand over diesel across the world is the reason why the arrival of diesel tankers was delayed.

He also called on citizens and consumers to report any increase in diesel prices, and stressed they will take strict measures against station owners who play or raise prices.

An informed source at the Oil Ministry stated that big quantities of diesel mounting to 120,000 tons are on their way to Aden and Hodeidah ports over the few coming days.  

Diesel is widely used in Yemen for transport means – especially for large trucks and machines – and most citizens prefer it because it is cheaper than petrol.  It also operates generators used in factories and workshops due to the continuous cut of electrical power supplies.

Yemenis also prefer to buy cars operated with diesel especially after benzene prices rose prompted by removing the official subsidies on it. Diesel is still among the subsidized oil-derivatives as the government claims it seeks to support farmers; a liter of diesel is sold for YR 35 while a liter of petrol is sold for YR 60.