Qataris and residents in Qatar of different nationalities have stated that the boycott imposed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt has caused major changes in their lifestyle and consumption patterns. They confirm that many goods have become scarce in the markets, and that Iranian and Turkish vegetables and fruits had replaced the goods they were used to.
Observers said that falling consumption and rising prices have helped Qatar, home to 2.4 million people, in tackling food shortages four weeks after Saudi Arabia closed its only land port with Qatar, through which most imports entered the country.
After the panic in the Doha markets in the hours and days following the punitive measures, the movement in these markets has returned to normal, despite the many changes.
Qatar, which has the largest US air base in the Middle East, has gradually been able to increase imports, mainly from Iran and Turkey, despite high costs and logistical difficulties, to adapt to alternative products. Analysts say Qatar's increasing recourse to Iran could exacerbate the diplomatic crisis with its Gulf neighbours, as its close ties with Tehran are among the main causes of the crisis.
Iranian and Turkish fruits, vegetables and dairy products have hit the shelves in replacement of those that came from Saudi Arabia or across its border from other countries, such as Jordan and Lebanon. Qatar was covering about 90 percent of its food needs with imports, most of which came from Saudi Arabia (about 800 trucks a day), as well as from the UAE.
"We do not need storage, everything is available," she said. "This siege is a nightmare in everything and we hope it will end soon, especially the issue of flight and transit, which has reached nine hours."
On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar and imposed economic sanctions, accusing Doha of supporting terrorist groups.
The crisis erupted after the publication of statements by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in which he criticised the Gulf states and defended Doha's close ties with Iran and a number of groups classified as terrorist organizations.
Besides closing the border, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have for weeks prevented Qatar Airways from crossing its airspace. All flights to and from Doha have been stopped, forcing travellers to look for new routes in a country where 90 percent of its population are foreigners.
Not only did Gulf countries stop dozens of daily flights between their cities and Doha, but ordered Qatari diplomats to leave within 48 hours, and Qatari nationals staying there would also have to leave within two weeks. It was believed that the difficulties faced by the people of Qatar could enter a critical stage if Doha failed to respond to the demands of the boycotting States, which have been highly vocal.
Source: alarab.co.uk
