Yemenis protest fuel price hikes in several cities
A Yemeni demonstrator gestures in front of burning tires during a protest against fuel price hikes on July 30, 2014 in Sana’a.
People have taken to the streets of several Yemeni cities, including the capital Sana'a, to express their anger over a government decision to hike fuel prices.
Protesters on Wednesday blocked roads by torching car tires after the decision went into effect.
The government increased the price of petrol from 2,500 Yemeni riyals to 4,000 riyals per 20 liters.
The price of diesel used for public transport rose to 3,900 riyals from 2,000 riyals per 20 liters.
"The wave of anger will continue …," said protester Mohammed al-Nehari in Sana'a.
Similar protests were also staged in the cities of Taez and Hodeida.
In 2005, at least 36 people were killed after the government made a similar decision that led to days of deadly riots in more than half a dozen cities.
Some 50 percent of around 25 million population of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country live below the poverty line, according to official figures.
Over the recent months, Yemen has been experiencing a severe energy crisis including frequent power cuts and fuel shortages.
DB/MAM