The Yemeni government called on oil companies working in Yemen not to deal with Houthi militias or their affiliated committees.

All decisions issued by Houthis since February regarding the oil and mineral ministry "are invalid," the government said in a statement.

The government called on all concerned bodies to deal only with the legitimate government and its representatives.

Any dealing with Houthis "will be seen as invalid and will run counter to resolutions issued by UN Security Council," the statement said.

The political upheaval in Yemen has dealt a powerful blow to the country’s oil industry, forcing companies to abandon productive oil patches and evacuate staff.