“The chip shortage will affect car production, leading to manufacturing slowdowns and higher operating costs amid oil price volatility. Attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility — one of the world’s largest helium hubs — have knocked out about one-third of global supply, according to media reports. Rising oil prices are compounding the problem, fuelling inflation and raising concerns over fuel availability at service stations. Higher oil prices may encourage some buyers to consider battery electric vehicles (BEVs). While the company has seen signals of increased interest in BEVs, he believes it is a short-term trend, expecting oil prices to ease once the conflict subsides.

Source: Bangkok Post March 23, 2026 17:24 UTC