The Studies and Economic Media Center (SEMC) has warned of a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis in Taiz city following the closure of supply routes and the disruption of commercial access since the latest military escalation began in late September. These developments have led to shortages of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), reduced availability of food commodities, and growing threats to water supplies and healthcare services.
In a briefing paper titled “Taiz Under Siege: The Economic and Humanitarian Impact of Road Closures,” the SEMC explained that the closure of the main road linking Taiz with Al-Turbah, Lahj, and Aden, alongside the suspension of the Mocha route and the closure of the eastern access point leading to Al-Hawban, has isolated the city from its usual commercial supply routes. This comes amid limited food stocks and growing difficulties in replenishing market supplies.
The briefing documented the disappearance of gasoline from fuel stations, with the price of a 20-liter container rising to approximately YER 100,000 on the black market. LPG has also disappeared from most retail outlets, while the availability of white flour has declined, prompting some traders to sell wheat in smaller quantities.
SEMC warned of limited food reserves, noting that data from the Taiz Industry and Trade Office indicate that the approximately 20,000 metric tons of wheat and flour in stock would cover around 19 days of estimated consumption in the government-controlled districts of Taiz Governorate, rather than Taiz city alone. The SEMC also highlighted the disruption of monthly diesel supplies totaling 65,000 liters to the Taiz Water Corporation, equivalent to approximately 72% of its operational requirements. This threatens the continuity of water pumping and increases risks to essential services.
On the humanitarian front, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 114,708 displaced people in Taiz Governorate as of October 7, as part of more than 201,000 people displaced across Yemen since the latest fighting began. The briefing noted that continued road closures are placing additional pressure on host communities and obstructing humanitarian assistance to affected areas.
SEMC also called for the immediate opening of a safe commercial and humanitarian corridor to ensure the flow of food, fuel, and medicine; the resumption of diesel supplies to water and health facilities; and urgent relief interventions for the most severely affected households. It also urged authorities and relevant stakeholders to monitor food stocks and prices and strengthen coordination among local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector to prevent the crisis from worsening.
For more details click here: http://www.yemenief.org/Download_Center/docment/doc_4176.pdf