Overview
- Iranian strikes that halted LNG operations in Qatar and disrupted Strait of Hormuz shipping have taken a large share of helium production offline.
- Spot prices for uncontracted helium have jumped roughly 70% to 100% in recent weeks, while most long‑term contract prices have yet to reset beyond limited surcharges.
- IndexBox estimates a loss of about 5.2 million cubic metres of supply each month, and industry experts say alternative output and storage can replace only around half of Qatar‑linked volumes.
- Fitch warns South Korea and Taiwan are among the most vulnerable to a prolonged squeeze, with South Korea sourcing about 64.7% of its helium imports from Qatar and Taiwan relying on Qatar for the majority of its supply.
- Taiwan’s government says LNG for March and April is secured with more than half of May covered and power supply adequate, though analysts caution sustained shortages could force chipmakers to prioritize higher‑margin AI components.