Yemen’s land transport union warned that the industry is "dying” amid the COVID-19 outbreak, as evidenced by the closure of a prominent national bus company last week.

Rahah Land Transportation Company shuttered operations on May 20, citing fallout from the ongoing war, the suspension of flights and the economic effects of coronavirus prevention measures.

In a statement, Yemen's General Union for Road Transport, Shipping and Mail said that COVID-19-related economic constraints "will lead to the closure of the rest of the national companies."

Calling on investors in the transportation industry to “be patient, wait and be wise” during the current crisis, the union listed the obstacles driving companies like Raha out of business. They include the imposition of taxes from an array of official and unofficial authorities across Yemen, the high price of diesel fuel, the weakening value of the Yemeni rial and the increased operating costs of being delayed at dozens of security checkpoints in each governorate. 

"There are only a few national companies left and they are close to announcing their closure and bankruptcy, if all obstacles are not resolved and the sector is supported urgently,” the union said.

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Edited by Casey Coombs