Yemen Prepares to Resume Crude Oil Exports After Nearly Three-Year Suspension

yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has confirmed that the country is preparing to restart crude oil exports after months of suspension caused by security threats and political tensions. The announcement marks a significant step toward stabilizing Yemen’s economy, which has been severely strained by halted production and declining revenue.

Speaking during a meeting in Riyadh, PLC chief Rashad al-Alimi said the government has completed key arrangements to resume shipments from southern export terminals. He noted that restarting exports is essential for funding public services, paying salaries, and supporting reconstruction efforts in areas under government control.

The suspension of oil exports began in late 2022 after Houthi drone attacks targeted export infrastructure in Hadramawt and Shabwa. The halt deprived the internationally recognized government of its primary source of income, deepening fiscal pressures and slowing development projects.

Al-Alimi emphasized that the resumption will be carried out in coordination with regional partners and international companies to ensure secure operations. He also urged the international community to pressure the Houthis to cease attacks on economic facilities, describing them as “acts that harm all Yemenis and obstruct peace efforts.”

Economic experts say the return of oil exports could inject hundreds of millions of dollars into Yemen’s economy annually, though full recovery will depend on sustained security and political stability.

The PLC reiterated its commitment to ongoing UN-led peace efforts and called for renewed diplomatic engagement to reach a comprehensive political settlement.