general
Iran conflict disrupts helium supply, risking MRIs and chip production
Attacks and retaliations across the Middle East have curtailed helium flows from Gulf LNG plants, driving prices up and threatening supplies used for MRI cooling, chip fabrication and aerospace applications.
Mar 27th 2026 · Iran
Insights
- Helium is a by-product of liquefied natural gas production and the Gulf is a major global source.
- Qatar, the world’s largest liquefied helium producer, has shut exports amid the Middle East strikes and counterstrikes.
- Some institutions have been notified their liquid helium supply could be cut by at least half this year.
- Liquid helium has a roughly 45 day transport window because of constant boil off, preventing long term stockpiles.
- Helium prices have roughly doubled since the conflict began, increasing costs for semiconductors, aerospace and medical sectors.
- A sustained shortfall could jeopardize MRI availability and disrupt semiconductor manufacturing that depend on reliable helium supplies.