The Indicator from Planet Money · Thursday, September 17, 2026
The disruption of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait affects more than just oil; it impacts the passage of fertilizers, natural gas, and crucial industrial commodities like sulfur and helium. With limited increases in production from alternative sources like the US and Canada, shortages are expected to filter through to consumers globally. Helium, in particular, is vital for semiconductors and medical devices.
“And it's not just oil products.”
“The strait sees the passage of a lot of other key commodities, including fertilizer and natural gas.”
“Helium is used as an input into semiconductors, as well as into various medical devices.”