Yemen Ports See 73% Drop in Fuel Imports

Fuel imports through Yemen's Red Sea ports of Hodeidah, Saleef, and Ras Isa have plummeted by 73% during the first five months of 2026, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).

The WFP's latest report on food security in Yemen indicates that these Houthi-controlled ports received approximately 2.87 million metric tons of fuel and food between January and May 2026. This represents a 5.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2025 (3.04 million metric tons) and a 21% drop from early 2024 (over 3.6 million metric tons).

The report attributes the overall decline to reduced efficiency and capacity at the Red Sea ports, citing recent Israeli and American airstrikes. Additionally, supply challenges stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have impacted fuel availability and quality in Houthi-controlled areas.

These developments have led to an increase in instances of low-quality fuel in local markets, negatively affecting vehicles, water pumps, and electricity generators, thereby impacting the livelihoods of the population. Specifically, fuel imports via Hodeidah, Saleef, and Ras Isa reached their lowest point in the first five months of 2026, totaling just 331,000 metric tons. This is a stark 73% decrease from 1.24 million metric tons in early 2025 and a 77% fall from approximately 1.4 million metric tons in the same period of 2024.

In contrast, the report highlights a significant increase in food imports, reaching 2.54 million metric tons during the January-May 2026 period. This marks a 41% rise compared to 1.8 million metric tons in early 2025 and a 14% increase from 2.23 million metric tons in early 2024.

The WFP confirmed that while food commodities remain available in local markets within Houthi-controlled regions, the primary crisis lies in the declining purchasing power of families. Economic hardship and a reduction in humanitarian aid make acquiring sufficient food an escalating challenge for millions of Yemenis.