Widening impact of conflict in Iran
By 
Phillip Broadwith2026-03-12T15:01:00
Deyond hydrocarbons, helium and sulfur – byproducts of petroleum extraction – have also been critically affected by Iran’s blockade of Gulf exports
As the US–Israeli offensive on Iran continues, its impact on global trade has also intensified. The most obvious effect is on hydrocarbons and petrochemicals. But there are broader impacts on resources that are extracted as byproducts of petroleum processing. Around one-third of the world’s helium supply is cut off. Similarly the gulf states account for 44% of global elemental sulfur production, from refining ‘sour’ oil.