Overview
- QatarGas halted LNG and associated helium output at Ras Laffan on March 2 after Iranian attacks, declared force majeure, and now reports extensive damage that will reduce annual helium exports by 14%.
- Helium spot prices have roughly doubled since the disruption began, and analysts say contract prices could climb if the outage endures.
- Around 200 specialized liquid‑helium containers are stranded in the Middle East, and 35–48 day hold times limit how quickly supplies can be repositioned.
- Semiconductor fabs, MRI providers and aerospace users face tighter availability, with experts noting no viable short‑term substitute for helium in advanced chipmaking.
- South Korea is especially vulnerable, importing about 65% of its helium from Qatar, though suppliers are expected to prioritize critical sectors during allocation.