That's according to Digitimes, which reports today that the five companies that make the wafers are in a position of short supply.

That will put pressure on foundry companies like TSMC and Globalfoundries, which will see their margins shaved because of the price hikes.

But the manufacturers of the wafers are likely to rake in money as the foundry firms jostle to be first in the queue.

It's not only the auto industry which is fuelling the shortage, the report said.

The internet of things, memory needs,  cryptocurrency and the rise of AI are all contributing to a surge in demand for ICs.