Iran war increases Oman border smuggling attempts

Oman has tightened controls at its border crossings as the Iran war opens new routes for illicit trade, with authorities reporting a steep rise in smuggling attempts.

The sultanate has intercepted more than 120 cases since the conflict began on February 28, spanning narcotics, alcohol and stolen goods, according to the Directorate General of Customs (DGC).

This is a marked increase from an average of just three attempts a month in the preceding six months.

Smugglers are taking advantage of the surge in cargo traffic through border points, a DGC spokesperson told AGBI.

The Israeli-US attacks on Iran have affected all countries in the region, severely restricting supplies within the GCC states after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. A newly agreed two-week ceasefire is expected to allow a temporary reopening of the waterway.

The war has sharply increased cargo volumes at Oman’s land customs checkpoints as the effective closure of the strait forced goods to be rerouted overland, putting additional pressure on border crossings into Gulf states.

Last month, Oman set up regional food depots to establish a secure supply chain to its Gulf neighbours via land borders that bypass maritime routes targeted by Iranian drone attacks. 

The government set up an online system, called Bayan, to allow regional food-chain suppliers to purchase goods in advance.  

The new system is used at the border crossings from Oman to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Further reading:

• Rattled Emirati investors push up Oman property market
• Imports rise at Oman port with Hormuz closure 
• Oman waives labour fines to alleviate war-related costs