Cooking gas shortage deepens hardship for residents, drivers in Taiz

TAIZ, June 23 (YPA) – The cooking gas crisis has resurfaced in districts of Taiz province under Saudi-backed administration, intensifying the hardships faced by residents and public transport drivers, many of whom spend long hours waiting in queues to obtain cooking gas cylinders.

Taxi and minibus drivers, along with local residents, said the crisis has gone beyond affecting household needs and is now directly impacting their daily livelihoods, warning of serious consequences for their families amid growing living expenses.

Drivers noted that the time lost in lengthy queues often prevents them from working for an entire day, leading to a sharp decline in income.

Many reported completing only two or three trips per day at best, while others end their day without earning any income, leaving them burdened by debts and financial losses.

The shortage of gas has also led to higher transportation fares among drivers whose vehicles operate on gas.

They stressed that the core problem remains the continued disruption of gas supplies and the lack of regular availability.

Meanwhile, residents blamed local authorities and the Safer Exploration & Production Operations Company in Marib for the shortage, holding them responsible for the ongoing gas supply crisis.