A government source announced that the government has adopted light increase on oil derivatives for use in supporting government investment projects, which serves the country and citizens.

The authorities approved an increase at a rate of YR5 on benzene and YR4 on kerosene starting from Sunday, according to a government mechanism for supporting investment projects for the benefit of public interest, within an economic reform plan, said AlMotamar.net.

The source pointed out that the officials in cooperation with the local authority in the capital and the governorates approved the slight increase according to studies conducted by the Government stressing the need for maximum benefit in supporting the economy of the country, which is facing challenges and problems.

The Sa’adah war, the open war declared by the government against al-Qaeda elements in Yemen in addition to the subversion, routes blocking, plunder of private and public property by the subversive elements, obstruction of development and investment, have all inflicted a great damage on the national economy resulting on direct impacts on the people's interests, the source added.

The mechanism of increase will be implemented under close government control through the local authorities. Punitive measures are to be taken against any increase beyond the government rates, in collaboration with the security agencies, executive offices and the local councils in the Governorates and Directorates as a safeguard against price exploitation by greedy elements, the source explained.

The source said that the government has born in mind the public interest after it found out that only small portions are benefiting from the oil derivatives' subsidy. It also said that this would ensure curbing the smuggling of these materials abroad, by the traders and smugglers who do not care for the damage incurred by the country and citizens due to this smuggling.

The decision was carefully studied according to scientific visions, which will make the layman feel its benefits. It has also included an intensive continuous supervision which will have no leniency with those who manipulate prices, the government source told alMotamar.net, ensuring that this increase will not have any negative impacts on the citizens and will serve the national economy.

The benzene price increased from YR60 to YR65 equivalent to $0.31, whereas the diesel price increased from YR35 to YR39 and kerosene from YR35 to YR40.

There has not been any riots or uprising against the raise in price, as opposed to the previous rise in oil prices in 2006 that left many dead in its wake.