War could make petroleum products from clothes to crayons more costly

The Iran war’s most tangible and immediate effect for many people outside the Middle East has been spiking gasoline prices.

But crude oil isn’t just refined as fuel.

Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas go into making more than 6,000 consumer products.

A list produced by the U.S. Department of Energy includes everyday items ranging from computer keyboards, lipstick, tennis rackets and chewing gum to aspirin, umbrellas and nylon guitar strings.

Petroleum derivatives also are used in a lot of product packaging.

Shoe and apparel trade groups and companies that sell stuffed animals, home products and medical supplies are looking at price increases or other ways to offset higher materials costs.