Global PET Resin Supply Tightens Amid Middle East Tensions, Packaging Industry Affected

Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted petrochemical supply chains, leading to reduced availability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. This has created ripple effects across downstream sectors that rely on plastic packaging for everyday consumer goods.

Impact on end users

In early April, some shoppers in Malaysia reported difficulty finding certain packaged products. At least one dairy company clarified that the issue stemmed not from a milk shortage, but from a lack of plastic bottles.

"There is indeed a real impact," a company executive said. "When a crisis like this happens, prices go up and supply becomes hard to obtain."

Broader implications

The challenge extends beyond the dairy sector. Products ranging from cooking oil and shampoo to cleaning supplies and packaged beverages all depend on PET-based packaging.

According to an industry representative, resin prices in Asia have reportedly increased by 15–40%, raising plastic bottle production costs by up to 30%. Some manufacturers are now offering higher prices or extending lead times.

"Without sufficient packaging, manufacturers cannot guarantee product freshness or distribution – even if the product itself is available," the representative noted.

Global context

Similar supply pressures have been observed in other Asian markets, including Taiwan and South Korea, where prices for certain plastic goods have risen or consumers have begun stockpiling basic plastic items.

The situation has drawn attention to the often-overlooked role of plastic packaging in modern supply chains.

Source: Adapted from "Got milk, no bottle: US-Iran war causes plastic resin crunch, packaging crisis in Malaysia" – Malay Mail, April 9, 2026. Original reporting by Malay Mail.