Commodities: Low stocks, sky-high prices for copper and oil

Commodity prices are skyrocketing because global inventories are at historic lows and supply chains are fragile. It's a classic case of demand outstripping supply, made worse by an increasingly jittery world.

Bloomberg, on its "Insight with Haslinda Amin" program on September 8, 2026, highlighted how supply risks are driving up the prices of crucial raw materials. It's not just about demand, but also the ability to actually get the stuff where it needs to go. Apparently, we're not doing a great job of that.

Oil, for instance, is feeling the pinch from geopolitical tensions, making production uncertain in key regions. Copper, on the other hand, is vital for the energy transition, but mining and processing it is a long, complex affair. This combination is a real pocket-buster.

Ultimately, it's us, the consumers, who foot the bill. Companies using these raw materials will see their costs rise, and guess who pays the final tab? Exactly, us, at the supermarket checkout or the gas pump.

Higher oil costs mean pricier gas, sure, but also more expensive transportation for pretty much any product. From food to electronics, everything gets a price bump. Basically, everything we buy has a bit of oil or copper hidden inside it.

Market analyses indicate that global copper demand, driven by electrification efforts, surged by 3% in 2026, outstripping available supply. If its price climbs, the cost of anything "green" becomes less affordable. A nice paradox for those hoping for a cheaper, more sustainable future, wouldn't you say?