Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak has approved emergency measures to address the worsening power crisis in Aden, the country’s temporary capital, after fuel shortages forced all power stations to shut down, plunging the city into darkness.
The blackout has raised concerns about disruptions to water supplies and hospital operations.
Aden has long struggled with chronic electricity shortages due to fuel scarcity, limited government resources, and the high cost of diesel and fuel oil needed to keep power plants running.
The power outage occurred late Wednesday into Thursday after the PetroMasila Power Plant, also known as the “President’s Plant,” ceased operations due to a lack of crude oil, which was previously supplied from Hadramout and Marib.
According to state media, Bin Mubarak held urgent discussions with the Governor of the Central Bank, and the Ministers of Finance, Electricity, and Energy to oversee the increase in crude oil supply from the Safer oil fields in Marib to Aden’s power plants, starting Thursday.
He stressed the importance of ensuring funds allocated for electricity are used efficiently, avoiding waste and corruption, and strengthening oversight over fuel distribution for power generation.
The prime minister warned of the economic war waged by the Houthi militias, accusing them of systematically targeting Yemen’s resources by attacking oil facilities and halting crude exports.
Since October 2022, the Houthis have deprived the government of its primary revenue source by attacking oil export terminals in Hadramout and Shabwa, leading to a complete halt in production.
Bin Mubarak called on all state institutions and officials to work towards improving public services and addressing citizens’ needs, emphasizing their national, religious, and moral responsibility.
He reaffirmed his commitment to institutional reforms and anti-corruption efforts, with support from the Presidential Leadership Council and the Saudi- and UAE-led Coalition to Support Legitimacy.
The prolonged power outage has fueled public frustration, with hundreds of Aden residents taking to the streets, burning tires in protest, and demanding urgent and lasting solutions before the summer heat.
