Oil industry 'has increasing concerns over Yemen security'

The oil industry is experiencing increasing levels of concern over the security situation in Yemen, one industry commentator reports.

IHS Global Insight senior Middle East energy analyst Samuel Ciszuk explains that strikes on oil supplies in the country could be a particular blow for the industry.

Adding that yesterday (March 22nd) the Yemeni regime was placed under further strain, he says that crackdowns on protests - both peaceful and armed - have failed.

Meanwhile, the president has faced defections from political institutions, governors and the military.

Mr Ciszuk highlights that oil supplies are under risk of being seized by various groups in order to gain power.

"Apart from Al-Qaeda loyalists, Yemeni tribes have often used attacks against oil and gas infrastructure, or the abduction of oil workers, as a way to gain bargaining power vis-a-vis the central authority or other tribes," Mr Ciszuk comments.

Recently, the EU stressed that Europe could weather price fluctuations within the oil industry by being more ambitious with carbon-cutting targets.

The comments were delivered in a letter to the Guardian put together by seven EU representatives, including the UK's energy and climate change minister and Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, Chris Huhne.