The price of a gas cylinder in Tihama and Azal districts in Yemen, under Houthi control, has reached about 8,000 Yemeni Riyal, given that its price and distribution cost in liberated areas within the legitimate government's control is around 950 Yemeni Riyal, according to a Yemeni legitimate government official.
Hodeidah chief district, Walid al-Qadimi, warned against Houthi militias profiting from billions of Riyals that result from the difference between the gas canister's price after militias forced companies and distributors to raise the prices.
Qadimi indicated that the difference between the canister's governmental price and the price in the market is about 7,000 Yemeni Riyal for a single gas cylinder.
He suggested imposing a unified price for the cylinder in addition to its distribution cost to reach Tihama and Azal regions. He added that in case the companies increased the prices, the government will have the right to stop supplying these companies with gas.
Qadimi told Asharq al-Awsat that any delay in measures to stop Houthis from stealing money will increase the burden on citizens. He added that militias are using this money in battles against the legitimate government to support their militias, buy more weapons, and recruit members.
Rights activist Abdul Hafiz al-Hutami stated that Houthi militias are punishing citizens in governorates under their control.
Houthi-affiliated black market merchants are selling oil and gas at very high prices. Gas' prices had multiplied 500 percent, even though it had reached government controlled Marib, according to Hutami.
Hutami pointed out that a gas canister is sold for 1,000 Yemeni Riyal, which amounts militias' profits to over 2 million Yemeni Riyal per month.
"Citizens are using plastic wastes and wood in Hodeidah, Ibb, Dhumar, Sanaa, Amran and Hajjah, while international organizations are silent before these humanitarian crimes in Yemen," said Hutami.
The activist also indicated that militias banned 40 oil tank trucks from reaching Ibb governorate and is preventing the gas company from selling at the price used in Marib.
