May 13: Impact of US-Iran War on International Economy, Financial Markets, and People's Livelihoods
The Iran war is profoundly affecting the international economy, financial markets, and civilian life. The U.S. Energy Information Administration has revised upward its gasoline price forecast, assuming continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced no additional release of national oil reserves, having secured crude oil for June. Attacks on an Abu Dhabi natural gas processing plant, delays in high-rise condominium deliveries in Japan, and even monochrome potato chip packaging are among the diverse reported impacts.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 15:42
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 16:02 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 14, 2026 at 03:09 (11h 7m after Collected)
U.S.-Iran War Key News
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Taipei, 13th, comprehensive foreign report) The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has raised its forecast for U.S. vehicle fuel prices under the assumption that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that sufficient crude oil for June has been secured, deciding not to release a third wave of national oil reserves this month.
● Progress in securing alternative crude oil; Japan to temporarily halt release of 3rd wave of national oil reserves
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned yesterday that in acquiring alternative crude oil not via the Strait of Hormuz, "more than 70% has been secured for June." She also stated, "We will then promote crude oil procurement from other regions, ensuring the total amount needed for Japan while curbing the release of national reserves."
She said that diversified crude oil procurement is currently underway, including from Central and South America and Central Asia, with plans to import crude oil from Africa in June.
● Hormuz likely to remain closed; U.S. Energy Information Administration raises gasoline price forecast
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated in its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook report that the average retail gasoline price in the U.S. this year is expected to be $3.88 per gallon (approximately NT$123, equivalent to about NT$32.5 per liter), an increase of about 18 cents (approximately NT$5.7) from the April forecast.
The EIA stated that this report assumes the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until late May, with gradual resumption of passage starting in June, but it may take several months for shipping volumes to return to pre-war levels.
● Abu Dhabi's main natural gas processing plant attacked; full capacity recovery not expected until next year
ADNOC Gas, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), indicated that the Habshan natural gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi has been attacked multiple times during the Middle East conflict, with at least three incidents of fires caused by falling debris after intercepting projectiles, leading to production disruptions.
ADNOC Gas stated: "The company is now working towards recovering 80% of its capacity by the end of 2026 and achieving full capacity recovery in 2027."
● Impact of Iran situation; delays in handover of Japanese high-rise condominiums likely
Despite no immediate material shortages, major Japanese real estate companies are concerned that the Iran situation could affect raw material procurement. Companies like Mitsubishi Estate Residence and Mitsui Fudosan Residential have, since mid to late April, notified customers through written means that the handover of newly built high-rise condominiums may be delayed.
Each company pointed out that although there have been no actual cases of handover delays so far, they decided to notify customers in advance, judging that many homebuyers are concerned about whether they can move in as scheduled under the current circumstances.
● Ink raw material supply critical; Calbee potato chip packaging goes black and white
The Middle East conflict has led to a shortage of petrochemical raw material naphtha (also known as light oil) and tight ink supply. Japanese snack giant Calbee will change the packaging of its main products, such as potato chips, to black and white.
This change will affect 14 products and will apply to goods shipped from the 25th. Calbee stated that "tension in the Middle East" has caused instability in raw material supply. Many other food manufacturers are also facing similar situations. (Edited by: He Hong-ru) 1150513
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Taipei, 13th, comprehensive foreign report) The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has raised its forecast for U.S. vehicle fuel prices under the assumption that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that sufficient crude oil for June has been secured, deciding not to release a third wave of national oil reserves this month.
● Progress in securing alternative crude oil; Japan to temporarily halt release of 3rd wave of national oil reserves
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned yesterday that in acquiring alternative crude oil not via the Strait of Hormuz, "more than 70% has been secured for June." She also stated, "We will then promote crude oil procurement from other regions, ensuring the total amount needed for Japan while curbing the release of national reserves."
She said that diversified crude oil procurement is currently underway, including from Central and South America and Central Asia, with plans to import crude oil from Africa in June.
● Hormuz likely to remain closed; U.S. Energy Information Administration raises gasoline price forecast
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) stated in its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook report that the average retail gasoline price in the U.S. this year is expected to be $3.88 per gallon (approximately NT$123, equivalent to about NT$32.5 per liter), an increase of about 18 cents (approximately NT$5.7) from the April forecast.
The EIA stated that this report assumes the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until late May, with gradual resumption of passage starting in June, but it may take several months for shipping volumes to return to pre-war levels.
● Abu Dhabi's main natural gas processing plant attacked; full capacity recovery not expected until next year
ADNOC Gas, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), indicated that the Habshan natural gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi has been attacked multiple times during the Middle East conflict, with at least three incidents of fires caused by falling debris after intercepting projectiles, leading to production disruptions.
ADNOC Gas stated: "The company is now working towards recovering 80% of its capacity by the end of 2026 and achieving full capacity recovery in 2027."
● Impact of Iran situation; delays in handover of Japanese high-rise condominiums likely
Despite no immediate material shortages, major Japanese real estate companies are concerned that the Iran situation could affect raw material procurement. Companies like Mitsubishi Estate Residence and Mitsui Fudosan Residential have, since mid to late April, notified customers through written means that the handover of newly built high-rise condominiums may be delayed.
Each company pointed out that although there have been no actual cases of handover delays so far, they decided to notify customers in advance, judging that many homebuyers are concerned about whether they can move in as scheduled under the current circumstances.
● Ink raw material supply critical; Calbee potato chip packaging goes black and white
The Middle East conflict has led to a shortage of petrochemical raw material naphtha (also known as light oil) and tight ink supply. Japanese snack giant Calbee will change the packaging of its main products, such as potato chips, to black and white.
This change will affect 14 products and will apply to goods shipped from the 25th. Calbee stated that "tension in the Middle East" has caused instability in raw material supply. Many other food manufacturers are also facing similar situations. (Edited by: He Hong-ru) 1150513
Choose to stand with facts. Your every sponsorship is a force protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.