Marketplace Morning Report An entirely new oil disruption
Mar 30, 2026
Kaylee Wells, a science and industry reporter, details looming helium shortages and how supply-chain snarls could stall medical MRI and chip work. Nova Saffo, an energy reporter, maps rising oil prices and the risk of new supply disruptions from Red Sea attacks and pipeline rerouting. Short, focused reports on fragile supply lines and global impacts.
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Middle East Fighting Pushed Brent To New Highs
- Brent crude jumped to about $115 a barrel after escalating Iran conflict and market worries.
- Nova Saffo notes Brent was up 15% in a week and headed for its biggest monthly climb ever due to renewed geopolitical risk.
Houthi Attacks Could Strain Saudi Export Routes
- Houthi attacks threaten another major shipping choke point, the Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea routes, risking Saudi oil flows.
- Nova Saffo explains Saudi Arabia diverts 4.5–5 million barrels per day through an east-west pipeline if the Red Sea becomes unsafe.
Helium Shortage Looms From Strait Of Hormuz Disruption
- About a third of the world's helium comes from Qatar and transits the Strait of Hormuz, so disruptions there create a global bottleneck.
- Maura Garvey warns restarting production and shipping takes months, so shortages may last until June–August.