[Oil Shortage! Middle East Conflict Continues to Spread Crisis to Other Sectors] BlockBeats News, April 4, according to CNN, the Middle East conflict has entered its second month, and the oil shortage crisis is at risk of evolving into a worse scenario—almost everything is expected to face shortages. The conflict in the Middle East has severely restricted the transportation of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing global supply by about one-fifth. This disruption has not only driven up fuel prices but also squeezed the supply of petrochemical products needed for everyday items such as shoes, clothing, and plastic bags. As the prices of materials like plastic, rubber, and polyester rise, this pressure is spreading to every corner of the consumer market. The most visibly affected region at present is Asia, which accounts for more than half of global manufacturing and is heavily reliant on imported oil and other commodities. Dan Martin, co-head of business intelligence at Deloitte S&C Advisory, stated that this will very quickly impact all goods, such as beer, noodles, chips, toys, cosmetics, and more, because items like plastic bottle caps, shipping pallets, snack packaging bags, and containers are becoming increasingly difficult to procure. Martin added that adhesives used in footwear and furniture, industrial lubricants for machinery, solvents needed for paint and cleaning processes, and other petroleum-derived products are also indispensable.