Beer cans, helium balloons and mortgages: An unexpected mix of things affected by the war

Economy Beer cans, helium balloons and mortgages: An unexpected mix of things affected by the war April 7, 20266:00 AM ET By  NPR Staff Loading... The Iran war has been catastrophic for global oil and gas supplies, sending prices soaring. Drivers are paying a steep price at the pump every time they fuel up. Now, a host of other unexpected shortages and price spikes are starting to pop up, which stand to affect people's lives and pocket books. In South Korea, the president urged citizens to take shorter showers to save energy. Butter chicken has disappeared from some restaurant menus in India because it needs to simmer for a long time, which is a challenge when there's a shortage of cooking gas. In the Philippines, the government asked officials to reduce electricity usage by taking the stairs instead of elevators. Here are some of the ways that shortages may affect people in the near future. Your beer and soda cans could cost more  Loading... Aluminum prices recently hit a four-year high, after Iran struck two large smelters of the metal in the Middle East. Both of them were major suppliers to the U.S. Aluminum, which is on the list of 60 minerals deemed critical by the U.S. government, is widely used for beer and soda cans, in cars and packaging. Birthday balloons and smartphones need helium The U.S. is the world's biggest helium exporter, but Qatar makes about a third of the global supply — and it's stopped producing and shipping the gas because of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. So far, the shortage is being felt most acutely in South Korea and Taiwan. Sponsor Message Your Money Worried about a shaky stock market? This is what financial advisers suggest you do Helium is used in MRI scanners and for propelling rockets. It is also used in manufacturing the semiconductor chips that are needed for computers and phones. Scotten W. Jones, president of TechInsights Semiconductor Manufacturing Economics, says a prolonged shortage will be of concern: "If helium...