Saudi importers and logistics operators are preparing for possible increases in freight and insurance costs if regional tensions continue affecting maritime trade routes. The Kingdom’s industrial and retail sectors depend heavily on uninterrupted trade flows through Gulf shipping corridors. Market observers say companies are increasingly reviewing supply-chain contingency plans as uncertainty surrounding regional security remains elevated. Oil market volatility has also placed additional attention on Saudi Arabia’s role in balancing global energy supply expectations. Source: (Al Jazeera)