Fuad Mohammed, a construction labourer in Taiz, Yemen, with over 25 years of experience, reports worsening conditions in the construction industry since the war in Yemen began more than a decade ago. The situation has further deteriorated following the US-Israel war on Iran that started in late February 2026, which has had a severe economic impact on the region.

“We can barely eke out a living for our families,” Fuad told Al Jazeera.

According to Saleh, disruptions in global commodity markets directly affect Yemen’s local market because the country imports nearly 90 percent of its needs. He explained to Al Jazeera that the rise in local commodity and fuel prices is a natural consequence of surging global prices, tensions in shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and increased maritime insurance and freight fees.

Saleh also noted that the Houthis may currently have sufficient fuel inventory from previous months, which has delayed the local market impact. However, he warned that the effects will become apparent when new imports arrive at higher prices.

The Houthis, who initially stayed out of the Iran conflict, have recently targeted Saudi ships in the Red Sea after the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition blocked an Iranian plane from landing in Sanaa.

Jameel, another observer, sympathizes with the plight of construction labourers but considers the current hardship temporary, expressing hope that conditions will improve once work resumes. “We are all in the same boat, not just the daily wage labourers,” he said. “But we hope things will get better.”

This situation highlights the broader regional tensions involving Yemen, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, with ongoing conflicts affecting local economies and livelihoods.

Sources