Broken Cars, Broken Dreams: Yemenis Decry Houthi Fuel Scandal

Residents in Houthi-controlled areas have raised alarms over widespread distribution of adulterated Iranian fuel, which has led to severe mechanical failures in vehicles and machinery.

In interviews with Khabar Agency, locals accused the Houthi militia of profiteering by selling substandard fuel on illicit markets amid an economic collapse that has crippled livelihoods. The militia, they say, capitalizes on the crisis by peddling chemically diluted fuel at exorbitant prices, directly harming civilians.

The low-grade fuel has reportedly caused extensive damage to engines, forcing residents to shoulder costly repairs. The fallout extends beyond transportation: critical sectors like agriculture and industry have ground to a halt, exacerbating poverty and compounding Yemen’s preexisting economic despair.

The Houthi leadership, spearheaded by Mohammed Abdul Salam Falitah, has consolidated control over fuel imports through a network of loyal traders, enabling price manipulation and supply monopolization. Notably, the militia receives Iranian oil shipments—trafficked into Yemen and sold at triple the global market rate—further inflaming public outrage.

Despite regular arrivals of fuel tankers at Hodeidah Port, the Houthis deliberately obstruct distribution to official stations, instead diverting supplies to black markets. There, the fuel is allegedly diluted with harmful additives, accelerating engine degradation in cars, farming equipment, and industrial machinery.

Residents condemn the crisis as artificially engineered to exploit civilians. Many are demanding an end to the Houthi monopoly, urging authorities to permit independent traders to import fuel at fair prices. “The Houthis weaponize fuel to extort and impoverish us,” one citizen told Khabar, reflecting widespread anger over systemic resource exploitation.