WFP Yemen Food Security Update, July 2023

Highlights

• In June 2023, the local currency exchange rate in IRG-controlled areas depreciated by Om percent compared to the previous month and by 19 percent compared to the previous year, reaching YER 1,371/uSD by the end of sine. Several (actors contributed to this devaluation, including the ongoing decrease in foreign currency reserves and crude oil exports, along with the reported reduction in remittance inflows.

• In IRG.controlled areas. pumping petrol prices experienced a modest uptick of three percent on a month-on-month basis. whereas diesel prices recorded a decline of two percent. Conversely, in areas under Sana'a-based authorities. pumping fuel prices observed a notable decrease ranging between frve to seven percent. On an annual basis. fuel prices exhibited a substantial drop nationwide, with the northern regions experiencing the most significant decline.

• During June 2023. the global FAO Food Price Index sustained its downward trajectory, reaching its lowest level in the past two years. Notably, the index witnessed a marginal decline of one percent on a month-on-month basis, while registering a substantial decrease of 21 percent compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

• The cost of the minimum food basket IMFEI) exhibited a two percent decrease in areas under Sanea.based authorities. while increasing by one percent in areas controlled by the IRG, as compared to the previous month. Nab:many, there was a year-on-year decline In the MFB cost, with the northern governorates experiencing a substantial 20 percent reduction, while the southern regions saw a modest one percent decline.

• During the Initial half of 2023, the aggregate volume of imported fuel via the northern ports of M-Hodeidah and As-Salif experienced a 63 percent increase. In comparison to the levels observed during the corresponding period In the previous year.

• In the initial half of 2023, there was an II percent decline in overall food Imports through Red Sea ports and an eight percent decrease via the southern ports of Aden and Mukalla, when contrasted with the ' corresponding period in 2022. Nonetheless, despite these fluctuations, It Is noteworthy that essential food items were reportedly accessible In the Yemeni markets during June 2023.

• Presently, the World Food Programme (Win Is aiming to assist 13 million indNiduals per distribution cycle, where one distribution cycle spans approximately 45 days. However, due to substantial funding deficits, the rations provided have been curtailed to 65 percent of the standard food basket per cycle. WFP Is currently facing increasing challenges as it contemplates further reductions In food assistance for the last quarter of 2023 and onwards, unless urgent additional funding is secured to address the critical funding gaps.

• Across Yemen people's access to food endured widespread constraints. with households In the southern regions facing even more dire circumstances. In June 2023, a substantial portion of surveyed households. approximately 52 percent In IRG-controlled areas and 43 percent in areas under Santa•based authorities, found themselves unable to meet their minimum food requirements. Notably, these figures mirrored the levels recorded In IRG-controlled regions from the previous year. wNie presenting a relatively lower situation compared to areas governed by Santa•based authorities during the same period.