The Yemeni government, led by Shayea Al-Zindani, is reportedly evading the root causes of a persistent domestic gas shortage in government-controlled areas, prioritizing other explanations over a significant decline in production at the Marib gas facility.
Official documents and statements reveal a perceived reluctance from the government to address the core issues behind the ongoing gas crisis. During a Supreme Energy Council meeting chaired by Al-Zindani in Aden, the Minister of Oil and Minerals presented a report attributing supply disruptions to tribal blockades hindering gas tanker movement and alleged market manipulation by some traders. The minister also cited an increased demand due to the conversion of vehicles to run on gas as a contributing factor.
While the official news report mentioned that the Minister of Oil discussed ongoing measures to overcome gas supply bottlenecks, it did not specify the nature of these remedies. The report instead emphasized the need for integrated governmental, security, and local authority efforts to ensure supply chains, regulate markets, and prevent monopolistic practices or price gouging.
The government's focus on tribal blockades and increased vehicle conversions as primary causes of the crisis overlooks a substantial drop in production from the Marib Gas Company. Production at the Safir facility in Marib has reportedly decreased by over 50% for more than a month without clear explanation. Daily production has fallen from an estimated 50-54 tankers to between 20-21 tankers destined for liberated areas.
Although initially undisclosed, the gas company acknowledged the production decline, attributing it to maintenance operations. Following these supposed repairs, the company's CEO, Mohsen bin Wahit, announced a gradual increase in production. However, even with this admission, bin Wahit reiterated blame on disruptions to inter-provincial transport lines and blockades preventing gas tankers from reaching their destinations.
Adding to the concerns, a recent memo from bin Wahit to the Minister of Oil detailed the shutdown of the 2-CPU gas processing plant on August 18th, exacerbating the production deficit. The memo warned of a daily shortfall of approximately 6,000 barrels, equivalent to about 20 tankers, with only 240 barrels remaining before the plant ceased operations. The government has largely disregarded the deteriorating situation at the Marib facility, which previously supplied gas to all Yemeni provinces, including Houthi-controlled areas, before the militia's decision to ban Marib gas and import Iranian gas instead.
