Yemen: Statement Issued by the Yemeni Gas Company Regarding the New Pricing

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea - Yemen - Follow-ups: The Yemeni Gas Company confirms, in light of continuous monitoring of the economic developments taking place in the country, that it is fully aware of the public's interest in the reflection of improved exchange rates on the prices of goods and services, including household gas. It affirms that the company is dealing with this matter rationally and carefully to achieve the public interest, ensuring the stability of supplies and not harming the rights of any party in the supply system. Based on transparency in clarifying the facts, the company would like to point out that gas is a locally sourced commodity, and therefore its price is not linked to the foreign currency exchange rate. Also, the price of a gas cylinder is determined by official decisions issued by the Prime Minister's office and cannot be modified except by similar decisions, within the framework of the state's general policy. The company clarifies that the cost of gas is not limited to the price of the material itself, but also includes other costs, most notably transportation fees for gas tankers and amounts imposed under the name of "improvements" by some local authorities in several governorates. Several months ago, this sector witnessed a strike by gas tanker owners because the transportation fees set at that time were no longer sufficient in light of the currency's depreciation and rising spare parts prices. In its commitment to preventing supply disruptions and ensuring the continued delivery of gas to various governorates, the company contacted the leadership of the Ministry of Oil and submitted several memoranda explaining the situation and seeking urgent solutions. As a result of these efforts, an agreement was reached with the tanker owners to increase transportation fees by 200,000 riyals per tanker, which was directly reflected in the price of the cylinder with an increase of 100 riyals. This is in line with the company's commitment to balancing the rights of carriers and the interests of consumers, and in response to positive changes in the exchange rate. The company also affirms its readiness to reduce the price every time the "improvement" amounts or any additional levies imposed by local authorities in some governorates are canceled, as these fees are added directly to the value of the cylinder and ultimately borne by Yemeni families. In this context, the company believes that criticism should also be directed at the large number of levies imposed on gas in some routes, as it is one of the most important factors leading to higher prices for the end consumer. The company would like to clearly state that if its goal was exploitation or exceptional profits, it would have maintained the high price that the cylinder reached years ago, which at that time amounted to 16,000 riyals. However, at that time, the company voluntarily reduced the price in response to the economic and living conditions of citizens, which reflects its continued commitment to serving the community and alleviating burdens whenever circumstances allow. The Yemeni Gas Company reiterates its commitment to working to improve its services and ensure the stability of supplies in all governorates, affirming that any future decisions regarding prices will be made in accordance with the laws and regulations in force, and in a manner that achieves fairness and maintains market stability. Issued by the Yemeni Gas Company