Dozens of drivers protest in Taiz over severe gas shortage

TAIZ,  May 02 (YPA) – Dozens of drivers organized an angry protest on Saturday in Yemen’s Taiz city against the Saudi-backed authorities, condemning the systematic policy of starvation caused by the severe gas shortage that has turned their lives into ongoing hell for months.

The protesters, organized by the “Bus and Vehicle Drivers Coalition,” said the crisis had become unbearable, accusing the “ Shaya Al- Zindani government” based in Riyadh of failing to address the situation.

During the protest held outside the local authority building on Jamal Street—which was blocked with gas-powered buses and vehicles—participants said their work had come to a complete halt, leaving their families without income.

They accused the authorities of inaction as residents wait for hours in long queues to obtain limited gas supplies.

A statement issued by the protesters accused management at Safer Gas Company of corruption and deliberate manipulation, alleging that Taiz’s gas allocation had been reduced from seven tankers per day to just two.

The statement claimed that more than 9,000 drivers have been unable to meet their families’ basic needs, while public transportation within the city has been severely disrupted.

The drivers warned of escalating their protest into a full strike that could paralyze transportation in Taiz if gas allocations are not restored.

They added that the crisis is not merely a temporary shortage but, a politically driven situation that has worsened conditions in one of the country’s most densely populated governorates.

@E.Y.M