Facing weeks of mounting public outcry, the Iran-backed Houthi group admitted on Tuesday to importing and distributing a shipment of substandard fuel throughout filling stations in Sana'a and other territories under their control.

The Houthi Ministry of Oil has established a committee to investigate the substandard fuel shipment, aiming to secure the contaminated supply and identify those responsible for its importation.

During a meeting with Houthi Oil Minister Abdullah Al-Amir, Yahya Al-Ra'i, the head of the Houthi-controlled Parliament, acknowledged the significant damage caused to vehicles and motorcycles by the poor-quality fuel. He emphasized the Ministry's accountability for the resulting harm and demanded the immediate prosecution of those implicated.

Al-Ra’i also called for the formation of a follow-up committee to ensure accountability for allowing the contaminated fuel into the country and requested a comprehensive report on the investigation's findings.

The Houthi-run Yemeni Oil Company had previously acknowledged receiving complaints on March 22, 2025, regarding vehicle malfunctions linked to fuel from specific stations in Sana’a and other provinces. The company stated it deployed field teams to inspect fuel at various locations and implemented stricter oversight measures during the investigation.

While the official cause remains unspecified, numerous sources suggested the fuel originated from Iran and entered Yemen through the port of Hodeidah. Activists have accused Houthi leaders of orchestrating the import for financial benefit, with some alleging the involvement of Houthi-affiliated companies in the import process.

Prominent Houthi critics, including parliament member Ahmad Saif Hashid, have publicly urged the group to reveal the importer's identity. Furthermore, activists have identified a company named "Love" as the alleged importer of the contaminated fuel. Activist Ahmad Al-Hamdani noted that fuel shipments prior to February 2025 had not caused similar problems, contrasting with the shipment received on February 20, which aligns with the reported surge in vehicle issues.