Three people killed at gas stations as fuel shortage grips Yemen

[News_Editor]

Three people killed at gas stations as fuel shortage grips Yemen

2011-07-03 07:59:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANAA (BNO NEWS) -- Three people were killed and others injured on Friday when violence broke out between people queuing at gas stations as the fuel crisis deepens in most Yemeni cities.

According to the Yemen Post, at least three people were killed and eight others injured in conflicts at gas stations where thousands of cars have been parked for long time, some for almost two weeks, waiting for petrol or diesel. In other provinces including the capital Sana'a, several people were also injured in similar conflicts.


Yemen is experiencing severe fuel and power crises after tribesmen attacked the main oil pipeline and power towers in the central Marib province. Most recently, the government said President Ali Abdullah Saleh had given orders to repair the pipeline and secure roads in Marib.

Supervisory committees were formed to observe the gas stations after authorities accused some of selling quantities they get in the black market. 
Meanwhile, the acute fuel shortage has sent the prices of petrol and diesel up by 700 percent.

Last month, the Interior Ministry announced a list of 43 members of the country's largest opposition coalition suspected of bombing oil pipelines and power towers in Marib. The ministry said the members of the Joint Meeting Party (JMP) carried out the attacks that led to acute fuel shortage and day-and-night power outages.

Since the months of February and March, violent clashes between anti-government movements and security forces began as part of wide-range uprisings in the Middle East since the beginning of the year.

In Yemen, protesters have continually demanded the resignation of government leaders and President Saleh, who has ruled the country for 32 years. Tens of thousands of Yemenis have participated throughout the year, and on March 18, security forces opened fire against protesters in Sana'a, killing at least 52 people.

Violence has continued escalating after Saleh threatened with civil war after refusing, for the third time, to sign a power transfer deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council on May 22.

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