Nobody is discussing how utterly terrifying the food situation just got for the Middle East right now.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports 80-90% of its food. Saudi Arabia, 80%. Kuwait, 98%.
NONE OF THAT FOOD CAN GET IN NOW.
The Strait of Hormuz isn't just an oil chokepoint. It is the LIFELINE for food shipments into the entire Gulf.
Right now, that strait is effectively CLOSED and definitely under threat. Shipping rates have EXPLODED 650%. Insurance costs are through the roof - if you can even GET any coverage. Cargo ships are ALL rerouting.
Very Large Crude-oil Carrier (VLCC) rates are hitting record highs (~$423K/day), LNG shipping surged 650%+ to $300K/day in spots, and container lines are slapping $1,500–$4,000 war surcharges per box.
Here's what nobody is saying out loud:
These countries have maybe 2-3 months (maximum) of strategic food reserves. After that? Rationing.
These countries pretty much have no farms. No rivers. No backup.
With one prolonged blockade, and 60 MILLION people in the Gulf face empty food shelves.
And it doesn't stop there.
Global wheat prices are already climbing. Fertilizer shipments are disrupted. Supply chains that were BARELY recovering from COVID are snapping again.
The last time food prices spiked like this in the Middle East — it triggered the Arab Spring.
This isn't about oil anymore.
This is about whether 60 Million people EAT.
