Yemen Market Assessment: Rising Costs, Growing Hunger, and Increasing Risks for Children

Yemen continues to face one of the world’s most severe food security crises, with more than 17 million people experiencing acute food insecurity amid conflict, economic instability, climate shocks, and declining humanitarian funding. To assess the impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East on market conditions, Save the Children conducted a market analysis across Aden, Lahj, and Taiz governorates, comparing prices of essential food commodities and fuel between February and June 2026.

The findings reveal significant price increases in key staples and fuel, including a 65% rise in onion prices in Aden and Lahj, a 30% increase in rice prices in Taiz, and a 56% increase in diesel prices in Taiz. These rising costs are further reducing households’ purchasing power and access to food, exacerbating already high levels of hunger and malnutrition. With over 2.2 million children under five and 1.3 million pregnant and breastfeeding women affected by acute malnutrition, the analysis highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance, market support, and long-term livelihood interventions to prevent further deterioration of food security and child well-being in Yemen.