Overview
- Industry executives say the helium shortfall is already disrupting some chip and electronics production and forcing schedule changes.
- QatarEnergy reported extensive damage at Ras Laffan after recent bombings, and it expects repairs to take years.
- Spot helium prices have surged, with multiple reports saying they have roughly doubled since the conflict escalated.
- Suppliers like VAT and Mycronic report delays and say they are prioritizing key products while seeking alternative helium, including in the United States.
- Qatar produces about one third of the world’s helium and South Korea, which relies on Qatar for roughly 65% of its imports, has put the gas on an emergency watch list.