Helium Supply Disruption Amid Iran Conflict Raises Global Concerns

The Kobeissi Letter posted on X that the ongoing conflict involving Iran has led to significant disruptions in the global helium supply chain. Qatar, the world's second-largest helium producer, accounts for approximately 33% of the global helium output, projected to reach 63 million cubic meters by 2025. The shutdown of Qatar's Ras Laffan facility, the largest LNG export plant globally, due to the conflict, has severely impacted helium production. Helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, is now in short supply, with the market losing around 5.2 million cubic meters monthly. The scarcity is exacerbated by the fact that helium evaporates during storage and must be delivered to end users within approximately 45 days, leaving almost no spare capacity worldwide. Since the onset of the Iran conflict, helium prices have already doubled. If the disruptions persist for 60 to 90 days, prices could increase by an additional 25% to 50%, potentially surpassing $2,000 per thousand cubic feet, which is more than four times the levels anticipated for early 2026. The impact of the Iran conflict extends beyond oil and gas, significantly affecting the helium market, which is crucial for various industries, including healthcare and technology. The situation underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical tensions.