Qatar learns to adapt embargo but ‘nightmare’ still lingers on – ‘We consume less’

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Fishermen fix a net on the corniche of the Qatari capital Doha on July 2. (AFP)

DOHA, July 3, (AFP): Nearly a month since Qatar was isolated by its Gulf neighbours, residents of the emirate have learned to adapt to the daily realities of living with the embargo. They buy vegetables and milk that come from Iran and Turkey, complain about price increases for staples while those travelling abroad face longerthan- usual flights as most neighbouring countries have closed their airspace to Qatar Airways.

“The government has found alternatives and there is no problem (of shortages)… despite a slight price increase we can cope,” says Mohammed al- Chib, shopping at a Doha supermarket. But he admits he and his family have had to make cutbacks. “We’ve learned a lesson and we consume less.” On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and moved swiftly to isolate Doha, accusing Doha of supporting extremism. Riyadh and its supporters severed air and sea links with Qatar — which denied the allegations against it — and closed its only land border, cutting off vital routes for imports including food. In the shock of the first days of the crisis, there was panic-buying and a very real fear of food shortages.

These were disproved and Qatar has far proved more than able to cope with the crisis, the worst to hit the region in decades. Supermarket shelves are full again and no one is going hungry just yet. “The shops are well-supplied but prices have increased a bit,” says Maya, a Lebanese expat shopping in Doha Perhaps that is not surprising.

Qatar is after all one of the world’s wealthiest countries, transformed in recent years thanks to its much sought after energy riches, especially gas. Doha’s defiance — and its ability to adapt — has no doubt annoyed some of its rivals. Though it may be largely a diplomatic crisis, some impacts are filtering their way through to life on the ground. Some residents have grumbled about shortages, not only of their favourite foods, but also less predictable items such as replacement car windscreens. Prices are definitely a problem. “The market is well-supplied but prices have increased a bit,” added Maya. One Indian resident who runs a small stall, said: “After the border closures, prices have jumped especially for rocket, parsley and chives.”

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