Reports of huge queues at supermarkets in Doha as fears of food shortages emerge. 

The local population rushed to supermarkets today after the shock announcement that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt (soon followed by Yemen, Libya and the Maldives) were severing ties to the country.

This means all major routes, via land, sea and air have been blocked. Panic spread as Qatar receives 40% of it’s produce via a Saudi road, although Iran has signalled it is prepared to send produce by sea. 

Trolleys overflowing in Qatar today

Long lines, empty shelves at #Carrefour stores in #Qatar following crisis. #Qatar gets 40% food supply by road via #Saudi via @Joyce_Karam pic.twitter.com/iNc6MVd4fG

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— حسن سجواني ???????? Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) June 5, 2017

According to recent reports, Iran has signalled it is ‘ready to export food to Qatar by sea’

According to @AP Iran is ready to export food to #Qatar by sea, if needed. #Iran #SaudiArabia #QatarCrisis

— Reza H. Akbari (@rezahakbari) June 5, 2017

Though people are still stocking up

Qataris rush to shops to buy food, groceries following closure of border with KSA. https://t.co/VwJHKChIvH#QatarCrisis#GCCCrisis pic.twitter.com/yH79zdTDLA

— Press TV (@PressTV) June 5, 2017

While authorities are calling people not to panic over shortages

Ample Storage,

Authorities in #Qatar are calling people not to panic over food shortages #QatarCrisis pic.twitter.com/0jd5LdxBHc

— Anthony Samaha ???????? #1 (@anthonysamaha) June 5, 2017

Qatar relies heavily on Saudi and the UAE

#QatarCrisis: With borders closed, how will this affect food imports? How can Qatar ensure food security? https://t.co/LRDSHJaG2H pic.twitter.com/z6AcKLPFuL

— The Delma Institute (@DelmaInstitute) June 5, 2017