M. As-Saruri (Image source: (© www.123rf.com/Dmitry Chulow)

With the recent news of a widespread famine in Yemen described as ‘the worst man-made humanitarian crisis’, as well as some signs of the possibility of a cease fire, it is relevant to read about the history of this war and the significance of the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

Yemen has significance for the global oil economy beyond its own production. Along with Djibouti and Eritrea, it controls the 30 km wide Bab al-Mandab strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. If this channel were to become unsafe, shipping would have to make the long voyage around Africa to connect the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. This article from 2016 helps explain the origins of the war and some of the issues involved: www.geoexpro.com/articles/2016/04/yemen-the-issues

Oil production in Yemen began in the mid-1980s, and after North and South Yemen were unified in 1990 the country enjoyed a successful period of oil and gas discovery and production during the early 2000s. To learn more about the petroleum systems and potential in Yemen, click here. 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: GEO ExPro