Rental car companies in Bahrain have seen a dramatic drop in sales and have had trouble retrieving cars because of political protests in the region, according to the Gulf Daily News.

Many of the companies closed their offices on March 16, but expected to resume normal operations later in the week.

Many renters had to leave Bahrain quickly and were unable to return the vehicles. A spokesman for Europcar said the company had to pick some vehicles up from various hotels because of renters' worries about security.

Another company, Elite Rent-A-Car, noted that damage to one returned car appeared to have been caused by vandals, but the other cars have been returned in good condition.

Al Kobaisi Car Rental, rented out zero cars on some days. The company previously booked 10 to 15 vehicle rentals a day.

Many car rental companies have resorted to half-day opening times on at least one day during the week of March 14.