Below is a clear, practical breakdown of the economic risks, trade implications, oil price effects, and what this means for South African investors. 1. Higher Oil Prices and the South African Economy One of the biggest immediate risks from the Middle East conflict is rising oil prices . A major global chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz , carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption or closure immediately tightens global supply and drives crude prices higher. Ho