The disruption of oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, sharply driving up prices.

Fuel costs have already risen, and households in the UK are expected to see increases in heating bills in the near future.

However, the fallout extends far beyond energy. A wide range of essential goods — including chemicals, industrial gases and other key materials — typically move through the Strait of Hormuz into global supply chains.

Analysis by BBC Verify indicates that prices for numerous products — from food and consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals — could rise as maritime traffic through the strait has plunged from more than 100 ships daily before the conflict to only a few.

Here is a breakdown of the sectors most at risk.

Fertilisers (Food)
Petrochemicals, derived from oil and gas, are produced in large volumes across Gulf nations and exported worldwide.

Among the most critical of these products are fertilisers, which underpin global food production.

The United Nations estimates that roughly one-third of the world’s fertilisers — including urea, potash, ammonia and phosphates — typically transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

World Trade Organization data shows that exports of fertiliser-related products via the route have sharply declined since the conflict began.

Experts caution that disruptions come at a particularly sensitive time. March and April mark the planting season in the northern hemisphere, and reduced fertiliser use now could significantly affect crop yields later in the year.

"A relatively brief closure could disrupt an entire growing season, with food security consequences that persist long after the strait reopens," according to researchers at the Kiel Institute.

Their analysis suggests a full shutdown of the strait could increase global wheat prices by 4.2% and raise fruit and vegetable prices by 5.2%.

The institute also estimates the steepest food price increases would hit Zambia (31%), Sri Lanka (15%), Taiwan (12%) and Pakistan (11%).

Russia, which typically accounts for about 20% of global fertiliser exports, may attempt to compensate for the shortfall.

Vladimir Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev said Russia, as a major commodities producer, is "well positioned".

Helium (Microchips)
Qatar normally supplies about one-third of the world’s helium, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The gas, a byproduct of natural gas production, plays a crucial role in manufacturing semiconductor wafers used in microchips found in electronics, vehicles and appliances.

Helium is also essential for cooling magnets in MRI scanners used in healthcare.

Production at Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility has been halted following Iranian missile and drone strikes.

Officials in Qatar have warned repairs could take three to five years, intensifying concerns about global supply shortages.

The US Semiconductor Industry Association warned in 2023 that disruptions to helium supply could lead to "price spikes".

Analysts say shortages could push up costs across advanced technologies, including smartphones and data infrastructure.

Prashant Yadav, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, warned that healthcare costs could also be affected.

"MRI machines require somewhere between 1,500 to 2,000 liters helium to cool the magnets. Every time you do a scan, a little bit of that boils off or evaporates.

"People like to think helium's predominant use is in data centers, semiconductors and cooling for the AI and data industry. But we can't forget that helium is quite important for MRIs and for other medical users," he told BBC Verify.

Petrochemical Derivatives (Medicines)
Petrochemical derivatives such as methanol and ethylene are essential inputs in the production of medicines, including antibiotics, vaccines and painkillers.

The Gulf Co-operation Council countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain — account for roughly 6% of global petrochemical production capacity.

These countries rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz to export such materials, with about half destined for Asian markets.

India, responsible for about 20% of global generic pharmaceutical exports, depends on these inputs to supply medicines worldwide, including to the US and Europe.

Additionally, many pharmaceutical shipments are typically routed through Gulf aviation hubs such as Dubai, which have faced major disruption due to the conflict.

Some analysts warn that these supply chain constraints could lead to rising medicine costs for consumers.

Sulphur (Metals/Batteries)
Sulphur, another byproduct of oil and gas processing, is produced in large quantities in the Gulf and widely exported.

About half of global seaborne sulphur trade usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

While commonly used in fertilisers, sulphur is also vital in industrial processes.

It is a key ingredient in sulphuric acid, which is used to process metals such as copper, cobalt and nickel, as well as in lithium extraction.

These materials are essential for battery production, which supports products ranging from household electronics to electric vehicles and military systems like drones.

Analysts say prolonged disruption to sulphur supplies could ultimately translate into higher prices for goods that rely on battery technology.