Sana'a – The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) issued a decision today concerning the prohibition of the export of U.S. crude oil. The following is the full text:

Decision No (PD-05-25-001) Concerning the Prohibition of the Export of U.S. Crude Oil

First: Legal Basis:

1. Pursuant to Law No. (5) of the year 1445 AH concerning the designation of states, entities, and persons hostile to the Republic of Yemen.

2. And pursuant to the Sanctions Regulation on Perpetrators of Aggression against Yemen or any Arab or Islamic State (SR-PAYAIS), issued on 26 Ramadan 1446 AH, 26 March 2025.

Second: Substantive Justifications:

1. Due to the continued American aggression through the launching of airstrikes across various Yemeni governorates, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, resulting in hundreds of martyrs and wounded, including women and children.

2. In view of the American enemy’s attack on April 17, 2025, targeting the Ras Issa oil port in Al-Hudaydah Governorate, striking civilian facilities, workers, and employees, in a horrific crime considered one of the most heinous massacres committed against humanity, in an attempt to besiege the Yemeni people, impoverish them, and destroy their economic capabilities.

3. Based on the legitimate right of the Republic of Yemen to respond to the crimes, massacres, and war crimes committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people, their infrastructure, and their national resources.

Based on the foregoing, it is hereby decided as follows:

1. The export, re-export, transfer, loading, purchase, or sale of U.S. crude oil (HS Code 2709.00) from U.S. ports is prohibited, whether directly or indirectly. This prohibition includes ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, whether in whole or in part, including through third parties.

2. Exceptions or licenses may be granted for humanitarian purposes, or to States and companies that oppose the policies and decisions of the U.S. administration, through the submission of an application to the email address Licensing@hocc.gov.ye.

3. Any violation of this decision shall be subject to sanctions pursuant to the Sanctions Regulation (SR-PAYAIS).

4. This decision shall enter into force on 17 May 2025 at 00:01 Sana'a local time, corresponding to 16 May 2025 at 21:01 (UTC), and shall be published on the HOCC’s official website.

Note:

• This decision is not intended to create any right or benefit enforceable by any party against the Republic of Yemen or its institutions. However, this shall not prejudice any established rights to challenge this decision in accordance with the procedures set forth in the relevant regulation.

Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC)

Republic of Yemen – Sana'a

For more information regarding the U.S. crude oil export prohibition decision and its implications, please refer to the following link Press Release No. (004) – 02 May 2025 - HOCC