NYN | News
Media sources reported today that a fuel tanker has arrived at Ras Issa port in Hodeidah province, becoming the first petroleum product vessel to reach the port since the U.S. ban took effect on April 2, which prohibits fuel tankers from entering ports controlled by the Supreme Political Council in Sana’a.
According to the sources, the tanker “JAG,” carrying 48,400 tons of gasoline, received entry clearance from the United Nations Verification Office in Djibouti on Monday evening and immediately headed to Ras Issa port.
Observers believe the reason for allowing the tanker to dock despite the U.S. ban lies in the nature of the sanctions themselves, which specify that they apply only to fuel-exporting companies wholly or at least 50% owned by the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
This means that importing companies, as long as they are not under such ownership, can continue to supply fuel without restrictions, and foreign companies face no legal barriers or concerns when engaging in such trade.
This development indicates the possibility of continued fuel flow into Hodeidah ports through legal loopholes in the sanctions, opening the door to new scenarios amid the current economic and political tensions.
Some analysts suggest the shipment was allowed in because it had already arrived in Djibouti before the U.S. decision to ban petroleum product shipments to areas under the control of the Sana’a-based government came into force.
