Hormuz Crisis Sparks Inflation Across Helium, Fertilizer and Semiconductors
Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is driving inflation beyond oil, hitting helium and fertilizer supplies and threatening semiconductor production, medical imaging, and crops as global ships stall. Helium prices have doubled and urea costs have risen around 30% since the conflict began, with experts warning that a prolonged disruption could lead to shortages even after the strait reopens. The White House is signaling relief for farmers, but markets face months of volatility before normalcy returns.