Onions Price Hike: Aden Family Pays 8000 Riyals
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Yemen’s Economic Crisis: the rising Cost of Basic food
Table of Contents
A deepening economic crisis in Yemen has driven the price of essential vegetables to levels unaffordable for many, highlighting a severe humanitarian situation. As of December 6,2025,a single kilogram of onions can cost 8,000 Yemeni riyals - a stark contrast to prices just years ago.
The Price of Survival
Abu Ahmed, a resident of Aden, recently spent 8,000 Yemeni riyals (approximately $15 USD as of December 6, 2025, based on an exchange rate of 530 riyals per dollar XE.com) to purchase just one kilogram of onions.This amount, he notes, would have previously purchased an entire bag of vegetables. This illustrates the devastating impact of Yemen’s economic collapse on everyday citizens.
The situation extends beyond onions. Daily market reports from Aden show that a kilogram of potatoes and tomatoes costs around 1,000 Yemeni riyals each.Though, onions are substantially more expensive, representing a price gap of up to 700% between the cheapest and most expensive vegetables available.
Impact on Yemeni Households
umm Souad, a housewife in Aden, expressed her distress, stating that a simple vegetable salad now requires a full week’s salary for the average Yemeni employee. This highlights the impossible choices families are forced to make between food and other essential needs.
The escalating food prices are directly linked to a complex interplay of factors, including the ongoing conflict, currency devaluation, import restrictions, and disruptions to supply chains. The yemeni riyal has experienced meaningful depreciation in recent years, further eroding purchasing power.
Economic Context and Contributing Factors
| Vegetable | Price per Kilogram (YER) – December 6, 2025 | Approximate USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Onions | 8,000 | $15.09 |
| Potatoes | 1,000 | $1.89 |
| Tomatoes | 1,000 | $1.89 |
Data from the World Food Program (WFP Yemen) indicates that over half of Yemen’s population faces acute food insecurity. The conflict has severely damaged agricultural infrastructure, reducing local production and increasing reliance on imports. Moreover, restrictions on imports and disruptions to shipping routes have exacerbated the problem.
Looking Ahead
The future remains uncertain for Yemen. Continued monitoring of food prices and food security indicators is crucial.