The difference in the US dollar exchange rate between northern and southern Yemen is nearly 1,000 Yemeni rials per currency unit, a massive disparity that translates into a huge difference in purchasing power among citizens in the divided country.
In Saturday’s trading, the Yemeni rial remained stable against foreign currencies, but this stability came with starkly different figures across areas of control. In government-controlled areas, the US dollar traded between 1,520 and 1,550 Yemeni rials. In Houthi-controlled areas, the same currency was priced at only 535 to 540 rials.
A similar pattern appeared for the Saudi riyal. It was exchanged at exchange shops in government areas between 400 and 410 Yemeni rials. Meanwhile, in Houthi areas, the price remained at around 140 rials.
Banking sources indicate that the Yemeni rial has maintained its stability in Houthi areas for years, although citizens there complain about rising prices despite this relative stability in the currency’s value.
These prices come amid ongoing financial challenges in both government and Houthi-controlled areas, within a country facing one of the worst humanitarian and economic crises in the world.
