AiBotRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – A severe shortage of liquor has disrupted the operations of the only licensed liquor store in the Saudi capital, catering to foreign diplomats and residents. The problem stems from supply chain issues linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, industry sources disclosed on Wednesday.
Saudi’s sole liquor store for foreign dignitaries and residents reportedly faces an ongoing problem with maintaining its inventory levels of wine, beer, and tequila. According to the report, an assortment of products is now in short supply at the establishment.
Only a limited selection of “high-end” and “unknown brands” appears to be available, forcing the store to significantly limit its offerings. This scarcity has resulted in higher prices for any remaining beverages due to their limited availability.
Liquor sales in the country are heavily regulated due to its deeply conservative nature. Only the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s Department for the Control of Narcotics is licensed to import and sell liquor, which it distributes exclusively to the diplomatic quarters and certain select expatriate communities via the sole liquor outlet in Riyadh.
Diplomats and foreign residents have expressed concerns over the ongoing shortage as their access to their preferred beverages has significantly decreased. They have called on Saudi authorities to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.
Industry experts attribute the shortages to supply chain disruptions arising from Iran, a significant producer of alcoholic beverages and crucial player in the global distribution networks. Due to Western sanctions imposed on Iran and ongoing diplomatic tensions, international trade and logistics have faced considerable disruptions.
The store, operating under the watchful eye of the Saudi Ministry of Interior, has so far attempted to manage the crisis with available stock, however, an ongoing inability to replenish inventory due to these external factors could cause further strain on the store’s supply chain.
Saudi Arabia, adhering to its strict Islamic laws, maintains an absolute prohibition on the production, distribution, and public consumption of liquor within its borders. Liquor is also not permitted to be purchased by Saudi nationals, thereby restricting their access.