Yemen's ‘HOCC’ Bans US Crude Oil Exports, Effective May 17, 2025
News - Yemen: The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has issued a decision to ban exports of U.S. crude oil, effective May 17, 2025, in response to ongoing American aggression against Yemen.
In an official statement, the center condemned the U.S. enemy’s continued airstrikes on various Yemeni provinces, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, which have resulted in hundreds of martyrs and wounded, including women and children.
The statement highlighted: "On April 17, 2025, the American enemy targeted Ras Issa Oil Port in Hodeidah, attacking civilian facilities, workers, and employees in a horrific crime—one of the most brutal massacres against humanity—in an attempt to besiege the Yemeni people, impoverish them, and destroy their economic capabilities."
"Therefore, Yemen has the right to respond to these war crimes, massacres, and crimes against humanity committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people and their infrastructure."
Key Provisions of the Ban
Prohibition on U.S. Crude Oil (HS Code 2709.00):
Export, re-export, transport, loading, purchase, or sale of U.S. crude oil from American ports, directly or indirectly.
Includes ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, whether partial or complete, even through third parties.
Legal Basis:
Law No. (5) of 1445 AH on classifying states, entities, and individuals hostile to Yemen.
Sanctions Regulation (SR-PAYAIS) against aggressors targeting Yemen or any Arab/Islamic nation.
Humanitarian Exceptions:
Exemptions may be granted for humanitarian purposes or to countries/companies opposing U.S. policies.
Requests must be submitted to: [email protected].
Enforcement & Penalties
Effective Date: 00:01 AM Sana’a Time (May 17, 2025) / 21:01 UTC (May 16, 2025).
After 15 days, violators will face sanctions under SR-PAYAIS, including:
Blacklisting of violating companies.
Ban on maritime transit through the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.
Military targeting by Yemeni Armed Forces in any operational zone.
Extended Sanctions:
Apply to affiliated entities, senior executives, major shareholders, and immediate family members of blacklisted individuals.
Third-party intermediaries facilitating prohibited transactions will also be penalized.
HOCC’s Stance: Sanctions as a Deterrent, Not Punishment
The Director of HOCC emphasized that the sanctions aim to compel behavioral change, not merely punish. The center retains the authority to remove entities from blacklists in compliance with regulatory procedures.
"We hope it is understood that these measures are a legitimate response to the U.S. enemy’s war crimes against Yemen’s people and infrastructure," the statement concluded.
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