Trump's war inflation goes beyond oil

[marmar]

Why the Iran war could make everything, not just oil, more expensive
It's not just at the pump: supply shocks are being felt everywhere from doctor visits to birthday parties

By Russell Payne
Staff Reporter
Published March 30, 2026 6:30AM (EDT)


(Salon) The joint U.S.-Israel war with Iran is causing major disruptions to the energy sector, but that’s not all. With the Strait of Hormuz closed in the wake of attacks across the Middle East, more than just oil is being blocked. And, if the war drags on, everything from medical testing to plastic packaging could be negatively impacted.

Oil, natural gas and fertilizer exports have received the most attention, as the cost of transportation, food and energy ripple through the global economy. However, a handful of other commodities like helium, plastics and aluminum stand to see supply shocks as the war goes on.

About 30% of the world’s helium supply is sourced from Qatar, produced as a byproduct of local natural gas extraction. Recent strikes on Ras Laffan, Qatar’s major gas field, as well as the strait’s closure, have left world helium supplies at risk. While most people might be familiar with helium as a filler for balloons, the gas is used as a coolant, including in semiconductor manufacturing and MRI machines.

Phil Kornbluth, the president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, told Salon that he expects helium suppliers to be affected due to the situation in Qatar and may have to declare force majeure — a legal term that means they are unable to fulfill contracts due to unforeseen circumstances — which will in turn result in rationing. ....................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2026/03/30/why-the-iran-war-could-make-everything-more-expensive/

[no_hypocrisy]

1. And limited and expensive heating oil and

natural gas in the Fall.