Aden (South24 Center)

The Yemeni Ministry of Electricity and Energy has effectively confirmed the authenticity of documents published by South24 Center regarding proposed electricity tariff increases in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government.

In a statement issued on Saturday, July 26, the ministry said the current residential tariff would remain unchanged for monthly consumption of up to 1,000 kilowatt-hours, while consumption above that threshold would be subject to revised prices.

The ministry added that the amendments also cover the commercial and industrial sectors, dedicated electricity lines, and high-consumption residential brackets. It said the measures aim to improve subsidy distribution, reduce energy consumption, and support administrative and financial reforms.

South24 had earlier published official documents showing a proposal to raise the residential tariff from 19 Yemeni Rials to 700 Yemeni Rials per kilowatt-hour for consumption exceeding 1,000 kWh per month.

The documents also indicate that tariffs for the commercial and government sectors would rise directly to 700 Yemeni Rials per kilowatt-hour. For the commercial sector, this represents an increase of about 133% from the current tariff of 300 Yemeni Rials.

The ministry said the “vast majority” of residential subscribers consume less than 1,000 kWh per month, but did not publish data showing the number of subscribers in each consumption bracket.

Its statement also raised questions by describing the amendments as “approved,” while the document published by South24 is a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister requesting approval of the proposed tariffs.

The ministry accused the leak of being a politically motivated attempt to obstruct reforms being implemented in coordination with donors and international partners.

It did not clarify whether the proposal had received final government approval, when the new tariffs would take effect, or how the expected additional revenues would be used.

The ministry said the amendments are part of a broader plan to improve billing and collection, reduce technical and commercial losses, address zero meter readings, and combat illegal electricity connections.

The tariff controversy comes amid worsening economic conditions and prolonged electricity outages in Aden and other southern governorates, where residents already face declining purchasing power and deteriorating public services.