Sana’a — Yemen is witnessing a sharp escalation in political violence amid a significant drop in fuel imports to Houthi-controlled territories, raising concerns over humanitarian fallout and regional stability.

According to recent reports, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has suspended approvals for fuel shipments destined for the port of Hudaydah, a key entry point for supplies into northern Yemen. 

As of late June, over 20 fuel tankers carrying approximately 500,000 metric tons of fuel were stranded in the Coalition Holding Area in the Red Sea, awaiting clearance.

The move follows allegations that the Houthis misappropriated 45 billion Yemeni rials from a special account at the Central Bank’s Hudaydah branch, diverting funds to support their military operations. 

In response, the Houthis have accused the coalition of orchestrating a blockade, using the fuel crisis as a propaganda tool to rally support and inflate prices in local markets.

Meanwhile, political tensions have intensified. Houthi drone attacks on oil infrastructure in government-controlled regions, including the Dhabba Oil Terminal in Hadramawt, have disrupted exports and heightened fears of renewed conflict. These strikes, coupled with the group’s refusal to renew a UN-brokered truce, signal a return to aggressive tactics aimed at pressuring the Yemeni government and its allies.

Analysts warn that the dual crisis—fuel shortages and rising violence—could deepen Yemen’s humanitarian catastrophe. Millions remain dependent on fuel for electricity, water access, and transportation, while political instability threatens fragile peace efforts.