Gulf states turn to road and rail to soften blow from Hormuz

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The Wall Street Journal has a fascinating story on the novel ways that Gulf states are trying to circumvent the Strait of Hormuz while it remains closed. These include convoys of trucks and trains carrying products such as fertilisers that would ordinarily travel by sea. Although it’s impossible to replace the cost efficiencies of ships, the Middle East is at least finding a way to absorb the economic shocks of the war. One supermarket chain, the WSJ notes, embarked on a 16-day journey to carry British foods, including porridge oats from Kent to Dubai, via Europe, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Although Hormuz is a popular shipping route for a reason, other passages through Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and other ports have also taken the sting out of things.