Shipping routes launched via Oman to give Qatar food lifeline

London

QATAR and container lines have launched new shipping services via Oman in an effort to sidestep a port ban in neighbouring countries and secure a food lifeline after other Gulf states severed ties with Doha last week.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and some other Arab countries cut diplomatic, travel and trade ties with Qatar last week, accusing it of supporting Iran and funding Islamist groups, accusations Doha denies.

The severing of air, sea and land transport links has closed crucial import routes for Qatar and its population of around 2.7 million p…