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Hormuz crisis beyond oil Persian Gulf food security under threat

· 2 min read

Hormuz crisis beyond oil: Persian Gulf food security under threat​

TEHRAN - Shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the war have not only targeted the oil market but, by threatening food imports, have also posed a serious risk to the food security of the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.

Hormuz crisis beyond oil: Persian Gulf food security under threat

According to a Mehr News reporter citing CNN, to understand the true dimensions of the shipping disruption following the war against Iran, one should not focus solely on the oil market. The arid and water-scarce Arab countries on the Persian Gulf's edge are practically unable to produce the food needed for their populations and are heavily dependent on imports.

According to this report, the six Arab countries of the Persian Gulf—including Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait—import approximately 85 percent of their food. This dependency exceeds 90 percent in the area of grains. Even Oman, which is in a relatively better position compared to other countries in the region, still secures the major part of its food needs from abroad.

CNN attributes this severe dependency to climatic conditions; summer temperatures regularly reach 50 degrees Celsius, and the average annual rainfall in many areas is less than 100 millimeters. These conditions have made extensive and sustainable agriculture practically impossible.

The Strait of Hormuz, primarily known as the world's most important oil chokepoint, is also considered one of the vital arteries for food imports to the Persian Gulf countries. According to data from the Joint Maritime Information Center, under normal circumstances, approximately 138 ships pass through this strait daily, a significant portion of which carry food.

Following the start of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran and Tehran's response, ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has sharply decreased. The specialized shipping journal Lloyd's List has reported that about 200 ships have been anchored at ports, and many major maritime transport companies have also completely suspended booking cargoes destined for the West Asia; a situation that could exacerbate the food crisis in the region.

MA

source: tehrantimes.com