Qatar prepares for food supply emergency

With on-going conflict in some parts of the Middle East, including Egypt and Syria, and the threat by Iran to shut down the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, the GCC may have to take serious steps to secure its food supply. Amongst countries in this region, Qatar is one to be greatly affected if shipping were to be disrupted.

A report in Bloomberg News said that Qatar has contracted local and international consultants to come up with a contingency plan should there be problems with supply routes, including the strait as well as the border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Strait of Hormuz is the body of water between the Persia Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Last year, political tension with the United States forced Iran to threaten blockage of traffic in the strait, a busy pathway for oil tankers. It is also a route for suppliers of wheat, rice and coarse grain. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)