Three people were killed and others injured when arguments between people who have been queuing at filling stations turned into violence as the fuel crisis deepens in most Yemeni cities.

Local sources in Hodeida province were quoted by alsahwa-yemen.net as saying that three people were killed and at least eight others injured in conflicts at filling stations where thousands of cars have been parked for long time, some for almost two weeks, waiting for petrol or diesel.

In other provinces including the capital Sana'a, several people were injured in conflicts at filling stations; some as powerful people using guns tried to fill their cars before those who have been queuing.

Yemen is experiencing severe fuel and power crises after tribesmen had attacked the main oil pipeline and power towers in Marib province.

Most recently, the government said President Saleh had given orders to repair the pipeline and secure roads in Marib by any means.

Earlier, an operation room from Yemen Petroleum Company, the Ministry for Oil and Minerals and other security bodies was formed to put an end to road closures and banditry blamed for the deepening fuel shortage.

Supervisory committees were also formed to observe filling stations after the Ministry accused some of selling quantities they get in the black market.

Meantime, the acute fuel shortage has sent the prices of petrol and diesel up by 700 percent. Today, drivers said they bought a petrol battle for YR 10000, up from the fixed price earlier this week of YR 1500.

Owners of filing stations said that long queues of cars on main streets are causing troubles at their stations including violence when some arguments turn into armed conflicts.