{"id":211991,"date":"2026-03-23T16:56:57","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:56:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-most-unexpected-impact-of-the-iran-war-isnt-oil-prices-its-the-chip-shortage\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T16:56:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:56:59","slug":"the-most-unexpected-impact-of-the-iran-war-isnt-oil-prices-its-the-chip-shortage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/the-most-unexpected-impact-of-the-iran-war-isnt-oil-prices-its-the-chip-shortage\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Unexpected Impact of the Iran War Isn’t Oil Prices\u2014It’s the Chip Shortage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Geopolitical Impact on Technology: More Than Just Oil Prices<\/h2>\n

The Strait of Hormuz may not deal in semiconductors or data centers, but its impending closure on March 4 threatens to destabilize the global technology economy, especially concerning semiconductor supply. Taiwan, home to TSMC\u2014the entity responsible for producing around 90% of the world\u2019s most advanced semiconductors\u2014heavily relies on imported energy that flows largely through this vital strait.<\/p>\n

The Unexpected Connection Between Conflict and Tech Prices<\/h3>\n

Currently, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is anything but stable. Initially dubbed a “minor excursion” by former President Trump, the military intervention began on February 28 and has led to the near-total closure of this crucial passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n

Typically, 20% of the world\u2019s natural gas and 25% of global oil transit through this strait, but now, supply chains are facing unprecedented shutoffs.<\/p>\n

Two Essential Resources: LNG and Helium<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to recognize that the challenges facing the chip industry extend beyond crude oil. Two critical resources, in particular, are at the forefront:<\/p>\n

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  1. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG):<\/strong> The Middle East accounts for 37% of the fuel powering the Taiwanese electrical grid. TSMC’s factories consume electricity with an insatiable appetite, emphasizing the need for a continuous and stable energy supply.<\/li>\n
  2. Helium:<\/strong> This noble gas plays a crucial role in the photolithography process necessary for semiconductor manufacturing and lacks any viable substitutes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Alarmingly, Taiwan has only 11 days’ worth of LNG reserves without external imports. In contrast, South Korea maintains 52 days of reserves while Japan has three weeks. This stark contrast highlights Taiwan’s vulnerability.<\/p>\n

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    Comparative Energy Security<\/h3>\n

    While Taiwan has historically prioritized cost over resilience, countries like South Korea and Japan have built robust energy security buffers, recognizing their dependence on imported resources. This underinvestment in storage capability means TSMC\u2014central to the global technology ecosystem\u2014is the most exposed semiconductor manufacturer.<\/p>\n

    Industry Adaptations and Future Risks<\/h3>\n

    Fortunately, companies are taking proactive measures:<\/p>\n