Fuel and gas shortage deepens humanitarian crisis in Taiz, under siege by Houthis in Yemen

The sharp increase in fuel and kitchen cylinder prices, disruptions in food supply, and shortage of medicines, medical supplies and fuel in hospitals make it difficult for civilians living in the city to access basic needs.

In Taiz, which has been under the influence of war and transportation restrictions for years, there are concerns that the humanitarian crisis will deepen further with the closure of main supply routes in October. While hospitals in the city have difficulty serving patients, especially those who need regular treatment, the increase in the prices of food and basic consumer products increases the burden on low-income families.

The closure of supply routes affects not only the transportation of commercial goods to the city, but also patients' access to healthcare facilities, water supply and humanitarian aid activities.

The increase in fuel and kitchen cylinder prices makes life difficult

The problem in the supply of petroleum products in Taiz affects many areas of daily life as well as transportation. It is stated that after the closure of supply routes, gasoline prices increased by more than 135 percent compared to before the siege, and kitchen cylinder prices increased by approximately 300 percent.

Especially the rise in kitchen cylinder prices makes it difficult to meet basic needs such as preparing meals. Families with limited income may have to reduce their consumption or turn to more expensive or unsafe alternatives due to increasing costs.

Fuel shortage also increases the transportation costs of products transported via alternative routes. While this situation is reflected in the prices of food and other basic needs reaching the markets, it affects families living in poor neighborhoods and without regular income more.

In its statement on October 10, the Yemeni Ministry of Health and Population warned that the stocks of medicines, intravenous treatment solutions, medical supplies and fuel in health institutions in Taiz were about to run out. The Ministry pointed out that if the problem continues, emergency services, operating rooms, intensive care units, dialysis centers and newborn care services may be in danger.

This situation poses a risk for kidney failure patients who need regular treatment, as well as people with chronic diseases, the injured, pregnant women and newborns.

Dialysis sessions were shortened in hospitals

Head of Kidney Dialysis Department of Republic Hospital in Taiz, Dr. Isam Mahyub Dahhan, in his statement to the AA correspondent, stated that the basic supplies sent from Aden province could not reach the hospital due to the closure of the roads.

Stating that the department is facing two main problems, Dahhan said that the inability to obtain the materials required for dialysis and the fuel shortage disrupt health services.

Stating that they had to shorten the duration of the patients' dialysis sessions due to material and fuel shortages, Dahhan said, "We had to reduce the duration of the patients' dialysis sessions from 3.5 to 4 hours to 2.5 hours." he said.

Dahhan appealed to the authorities and conflicting parties, pointing out that current conditions make it seriously difficult to provide necessary care to kidney failure patients.

"Hospitals, medical supplies and dialysis supplies should be kept away from conflicts. These supplies are directly linked to patients' lives and their delay or interruption is unacceptable." Dahhan emphasized the importance of delivering the necessary materials and fuel to hospitals.

The inability to deliver fuel to hospitals affects not only the movement of ambulances, but also the operation of electricity generators, the use of medical devices and the storage of medicines in appropriate conditions. Therefore, keeping supply routes closed poses a direct risk for the continuity of health services and the lives of patients.

Food stocks and humanitarian access at risk

The closure of supply routes in Taiz also causes concerns about food supply. It is stated that wheat and flour stocks in government-controlled regions are sufficient for approximately 25 days of consumption.

It is feared that food insecurity will increase in the city if the roads remain closed and existing stocks cannot be replenished. The rise in prices of basic goods forces families to choose between food, treatment, transportation and other daily needs.

Supply issues also affect local markets. While it becomes difficult for businesses with decreasing stocks to renew their products, transportation costs and security risks on alternative routes increase the imbalance between supply and demand.

In its statement on October 14, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) warned that the intensification of conflicts, road closures and security problems prevent the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to approximately 800 thousand people in Yemen. It was stated that Taiz was also among the regions affected by access problems.

The effects of the humanitarian crisis in Taiz are not limited to food and healthcare. Problems with water supply in some parts of the city make the daily life of the people even more difficult.

Lawyer and human rights defender Yasir al-Meliki stated that the closure of supply routes in Taiz aggravated humanitarian and economic conditions and held the Houthis responsible for the siege of the city and blocking the transportation of basic needs.

Meliki said, "There are problems in the supply of food, water and petroleum products in Taiz. The interruption of fuel supply affects the daily life of the people, the operation of hospitals and commercial activities." he said.

Meliki also claimed that the water supply from the Ed-Dıbbab basin, located in the areas under the control of the Houthis, was cut off, and noted that there is a need for regular delivery of food, medicine and basic needs in the city.

Meliki stated that the families who fled the conflicts in rural areas and took shelter in Taiz also increased the pressure on local resources, adding that supply restrictions make the activities of local and international humanitarian organizations difficult.

Meliki said, "Urgent steps should be taken to deliver food, medicine, water and fuel to the region and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need unhindered." he called.

The siege concern that has been going on for years is on the agenda again

Taiz has faced severe conditions due to the closure of main transportation routes and movement restrictions since the beginning of the war in Yemen. The re-rise of military tensions and the closure of strategic routes in October increased the concern that the humanitarian crisis experienced in the city in the past might repeat.

Yemeni officials blame the Houthis for the siege and the blocking of supplies. Reports on developments on the ground also indicate that changes on the front lines and closures of major roads are disrupting commercial shipments and humanitarian access.

In order to meet the needs of the city, the safe passage of civilians must be ensured, food, fuel, kitchen cylinders, medicine and medical supplies must be delivered, and the movement of ambulances and humanitarian aid teams must not be hindered. Providing the necessary fuel for hospitals and water facilities is also among the urgent priorities.

The effects of road closures in Taiz go beyond increases in the prices of goods. Families' ability to prepare their daily meals, patients' access to treatment, and hospitals' ability to continue their services depend on the delivery of basic necessities to the city. As supply disruptions continue, there is a risk that humanitarian needs in the city will worsen.