(DCNF)—The world’s main focus related to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian government over the last month has been its impacts on flows of oil. It’s a natural reaction given that fully 20% of global crude supplies exited the Persian Gulf via the Strait each day prior to Feb. 28. The denial of those oil flows has resulted in a historic price spike for oil and refined products like gasoline and diesel, along with shortages in an increasing number of importing countries.
While many other key products also must transit the Strait of Hormuz to flow into the world market, focus turns immediately to oil because the impacts hit billions of drivers in the pocketbooks almost immediately through a simultaneous increase in prices for gas and diesel at the pump. For drivers, periodically refueling your car is not optional: It’s a necessity of life and thus unavoidable. The rise in U.S. gas prices of $1 per gallon in the span of a month is not just an emotional hit to millions of Americans – it also amounts to a de facto regressive tax that hits hardest on those who can least afford it.
So, we focus on the oil impacts first because of their immediate financial hit. But make no mistake about it: Many other projects endemic to everyone’s daily lives also must transit the Strait in tankers or on bulk ships in big quantities. We will all eventually feel significant impacts from their loss should the closure remain in place for an extended time.
Here’s a look at some of the big ones:
Liquefied Natural Gas: Prior to Feb. 28, Qatar supplied an estimated 17%-20% of global LNG needs to importing countries, mainly in Asian and European markets. Shortage of LNG supply means higher utility prices for consumers and higher emissions as utilities switch to coal.
Fertilizers: About half of the global supply of urea (high nitrogen solid fertilizer) comes from the Persian Gulf region. It will take longer to develop, but a severe shortage of fertilizer will inevitably create severe food shortages. A long-term loss of half the world’s supply of fertilizer will result in skyrocketing costs that will force many farming operations into bankruptcy.
Helium: Roughly 30-35% of global helium supplies also came from the Persian Gulf prior to the Iran Conflict. That helium is a crucial feedstock for the manufacturing of all sorts of products, perhaps most importantly computer chips. Even more problematic, almost all the Middle East’s helium has derived from the same Qatari LNG plants that were knocked out by Iranian missiles in the Conflict’s early days, and which Qatar says will be offline for three to five years.
Ammonia – A major feedstock for the production of fertilizers. Almost one-third of global supplies come from the Middle East. Gulf producers account for about 30 percent of worldwide ammonia exports.
Sulfur – A byproduct of oil/gas processing which is used in fertilizers, rubber, metals processing, and chemical manufacturing. Nearly half of the world’s traded/seaborne sulfur supply originates from the Persian Gulf region.
Broader fertilizers – Roughly 20 percent to 30 percent of the global non-urea fertilizer trade transits the Strait each day, with phosphate fertilizers making up most of that percentage.
Aluminum – The Middle East accounts for about 8 percent to 10 percent of global aluminum supplies. A significant majority of Gulf exports must transit the Strait.
Petrochemical feedstocks and derivatives – These include refined products like liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, polyethylene and polypropylene precursors for plastics, packaging, and manufacturing. The Middle East supplies about 30 percent of global seaborne exports, roughly 40% of polyethylene, and more than 37 percent of naphtha flows to Asia.
In an interview on March 29 with Maria Bartiromo of Fox News, respected energy expert Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman at S&P Global, said, “what the Iranians are really doing is waging war on the world economy.” He isn’t wrong.
We focus on oil first because the costs hit us the quickest. It will take time for shortages of most of these other commodities to cascade through the global supply chains, but everyone will eventually feel their impact, too.
David Bossie is the president of Citizens United and served as a senior adviser to the Trump-Pence 2020 campaign. In 2016, Bossie served as deputy campaign manager for Donald J. Trump for President and deputy executive director for the Trump-Pence Transition Team.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
