UN Warns Middle East War Threatens Global Economy Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure
Fighting that erupted in the Middle East last month has led to severe humanitarian and economic consequences, according to the UN Secretary-General. The conflict has resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure across the region, deepening the humanitarian crisis. A critical concern is the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint, which has caused tanker traffic to fall by over 90%. This has severely disrupted the global supply of oil, gas, and essential fertilizers at a crucial time for agricultural planting worldwide. These disruptions threaten food security and global energy markets, with... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 29 Mar 2026 00:03
Persian Gulf conflict sharply disrupts global food, energy supplies, warns UN FAO
The intensifying conflict in the Persian Gulf region has triggered a major disruption to global commodity flows, with UN Food and Agriculture Organization Chief Economist Máximo Torero revealing that tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has fallen by over 90%. This waterway typically channels around 35% of the world's crude oil, approximately 20 million barrels daily, as well as 30% of global fertilizer trade and a fifth of liquefied natural gas shipments. The cutbacks are straining global agricultural production, as fertilizer shortages and energy supply disruptions ripple through farming sectors worldwide. These challenges not only affect farmers but... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 27 Mar 2026 07:24
US-Israel Conflict Disrupts Global Helium Supplies, Affecting Medical and High-Tech Industries
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran is having significant repercussions on global helium supplies, impacting critical medical applications, particularly MRI scanning. Recent reports indicate that the dispute has disrupted approximately one-third of the world's helium supply, which is essential not only for medical procedures but also for high-tech industries such as semiconductors. In 2025, Qatar's helium production was notable, accounting for around 63 million cubic meters, or roughly one-third of the total 190 million cubic meters produced globally, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This conflict has resulted in substantial shipping restrictions and has halted... [Continue Reading]
