Strait of Hormuz tensions raise concerns over global food supply: The Details

Report by Lea Fayad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

When the Strait of Hormuz is mentioned, attention often turns immediately to oil. However, the current threat extends beyond energy supplies to global food security.

Any closure or disruption of the strait would force shipping vessels to take longer and more costly alternative routes, while also driving up energy prices that affect all sectors. This would result in longer delivery times for food supplies and higher costs.

Gulf countries, due to their climate and geography, rely heavily on imports to meet their food needs. The region imports an estimated $10 billion annually in grains, meat, fresh produce and other food items.

Approximately 70% of these imported food goods pass through the Strait of Hormuz before being distributed to major ports, particularly Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, which serves as a key regional redistribution hub.

Amid rising tensions around the strait and disruptions to regional air traffic, companies and suppliers are increasingly seeking alternative routes to avoid supply interruptions.

Saudi ports along the Red Sea have emerged as key alternatives, particularly Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port, which together have a combined capacity of up to 14 million containers annually.

After unloading at these ports, goods are transported overland by truck to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, a journey that typically takes four to five days.

While land transport is slower and more expensive than maritime shipping, it provides a practical alternative that helps maintain the flow of essential goods.

This shift is not unprecedented in the Gulf. During the Qatar diplomatic crisis, Doha was forced to rapidly restructure its supply routes, diversify sources and rely heavily on air transport.

Today, however, even air transport options are limited, adding further complexity to the situation.

The question remains whether this is a temporary adjustment driven by security conditions, or the beginning of a broader shift in global trade routes.