Capitals, March 28 (SANA) – The ongoing U.S.–Israeli–Iranian conflict is starting to disrupt global helium supplies, with interruptions to Qatari exports sparking concerns for technology and medical sectors that rely heavily on the rare gas.
According to Euronews, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected supply chains and industrial flows, extending the economic impact of the conflict beyond oil and gas markets.
Helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, is essential for several high-tech industries. Qatar produces roughly one-third of the world’s supply, making any disruption a major concern for global markets.
The gas is critical in semiconductor manufacturing, including advanced chips used in artificial intelligence systems, particularly in Asian production hubs. It is also vital in medicine, where liquid helium cools superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, and in aerospace for cleaning rocket fuel tanks.
Damage to facilities in Ras Laffan, Qatar’s largest gas processing hub, has raised fears of shipment delays and global supply bottlenecks, potentially causing shortages in the coming weeks.
Major companies in the United States and Asia have voiced concerns over supply disruptions. South Korea imports about 65 percent of its helium from Qatar, prompting fears that chip production could be affected if shortages persist.
In the U.S., industrial gas distributor Airgas declared force majeure after Qatar halted production at Ras Laffan, warning that some customers may receive only half of their usual monthly supply.
Experts say the healthcare sector could be particularly vulnerable, as MRI machines require liquid helium to maintain extremely low temperatures. Prolonged shortages could disrupt hospital operations if systems cannot be refilled during maintenance or after technical failures.
Analysts note that the overall impact will depend on the conflict’s duration and how quickly supply chains adjust. Technology manufacturers may redirect supplies, but hospitals and healthcare systems could face greater challenges if shortages persist.
Kh.A
