Marketplace All-in-One An entirely new oil disruption
Mar 30, 2026
Kaylee Wells, a science and industry reporter, explains helium risks tied to Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Nova Saffo, an energy and geopolitics reporter, covers Houthi attacks and rising oil shipping risks. They discuss surging oil prices, threats to key maritime routes, helium shortages tied to natural gas flows, and global supply vulnerabilities in short, clear segments.
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New Route Risks Are Lifting Oil Prices
- Oil prices jumped because new potential shipping disruptions add to geopolitical risk.
- Nova Saffo explains Brent hit $115 a barrel and rose 15% after reports of U.S.-Iran talks and Houthi actions threatening shipping routes.
Houthis Could Strain Saudi Export Capacity
- Houthi attacks expand risk from the Bab al-Mandeb to other choke points, threatening Saudi export routes.
- Nova Saffo details Saudi diversions through an east-west pipeline carrying ~4.5–5 million barrels per day that could be constrained.
Helium Supply Is Vulnerable To Strait Disruptions
- A third of global helium flows through the Strait of Hormuz, tying helium shortages to Middle East disruptions.
- Maura Garvey says restarting production after a cut could take months, with supplies returning between June and August.