Global Plastic Crisis Looms as Middle East Oil Shortage Cascades Through Supply Chains

The conflict-driven supply disruption in the Middle East is creating acute shortages of naphtha, a critical petrochemical feedstock for plastics production. Since plastics permeate nearly every aspect of modern life—from food packaging to automotive parts—consumers worldwide face imminent price hikes, with Asia already seeing 50% naphtha price increases and manufacturers poised to raise consumer prices within weeks.