As hostilities involving the US, Israel, and Iran persist, several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries could increasingly depend on overland food deliveries from Saudi Arabia. This shift stems from ongoing disruptions in maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and constraints on regional airspace.
The GCC’s dependence on food imports is striking, with up to 90 percent of foodstuffs brought into the region from abroad. More than 70 percent of these imports typically transit the Strait of Hormuz, creating potential vulnerabilities amid escalating conflict and threats to shipping lanes.
Food Supply Risks Amidst Conflict
Experts warn that continued hostilities could cause significant shortages and price hikes. Neil Quilliam, an analyst from the Chatham House think tank, noted that while GCC countries have stockpiled resources and diversified supply chains to some extent, these measures can only sustain the region’s needs for a few months. After that period, delays and higher costs are expected to affect market availability.
Landlocked Nations Turn to Saudi Overland Routes
Commodities analyst Ishan Bhanu highlighted that the blockade of Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, which serves approximately 50 million people, would severely impact supplies. With maritime routes restricted, countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq risk becoming effectively landlocked and dependent on import routes passing through Saudi Arabia.
Current Status and Public Response
Despite concerns, supermarket shelves across the Gulf remain reasonably stocked for now. The UAE reports strategic reserves sufficient for four to six months of vital goods and has set up a hotline for reporting unjustified price increases. However, recent Iranian strikes in the Gulf have triggered panic buying, indicating public unease about potential shortages.
Quilliam emphasized that perceptions of risk can significantly influence consumer behavior, where fears alone may prompt stockpiling even before actual supply disruptions occur.
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