The conflict has affected about a third of global helium supplies, which play a key role in high technologies and medical applications. This is due to restrictions on maritime transport and the halt of production at one of the largest sources—Qatar.
Helium Production Volume in the Gulf of Mexico
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Qatar produced approximately 63 million cubic meters of helium in 2025, accounting for a third of the total global production, which is about 190 million cubic meters.
Although other Gulf countries are not major producers, they are significant for the global supply chain, as exports from Qatar and other countries depend on shipping routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 2, Ibrahim Jabari, senior advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, announced the closure of the strait, warning that any attempts to cross it would be intercepted. This led to a significant reduction in shipping through this strategically important route.
Iranian authorities claim that the strait is open to all vessels except those belonging to the U.S., Israel, and their allies; however, they have introduced new rules requiring any vessel to obtain permission to pass through the strait. As a result, vessel traffic has significantly decreased.
QatarEnergy, the largest producer of liquefied natural gas, also produces liquid helium and reported a 14 percent reduction in the annual export of this product.
How is the product delivered to customers?
Helium, having a low density, occupies a lot of space in its gaseous state, so it is usually liquefied and stored in cryogenic containers to save space.
After liquefaction, helium must be transported within 45 days, as it gradually evaporates even in well-insulated tanks.
In Qatar, helium containers are shipped to customers by sea.
Almost all exported helium from Qatar is transported by sea through the Strait of Hormuz, as extraction is concentrated in this region, and no other shipping routes are available.
Causes of Disruptions in Helium Production in the Gulf of Mexico
Helium is extracted during the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG), so any disruptions in this process also affect helium supplies.
LNG production in Qatar has been affected by attacks on energy infrastructure.
The state energy company of Qatar, QatarEnergy, suspended LNG production on March 2 due to Iranian attacks on its facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, although Iranian officials denied any targeted actions against QatarEnergy.
Last week, Iranian media reported an attack on facilities related to the South Pars gas field.
A few hours later, Iranian missiles struck a plant in Ras Laffan that processes about 20 percent of the world's LNG.
As a result of the attacks, three fires broke out, and about 17 percent of Qatar's LNG export capacity was destroyed, which, according to preliminary estimates, could lead to a loss of $20 billion in annual revenue over the next five years, as stated by QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.
According to him, repair work could halt the production of 12.8 million tons of LNG per year for a period of three to five years.
It is this reduction in production that led QatarEnergy to announce a 14 percent decrease in helium exports.
Countries Most Dependent on Helium Supplies from the Gulf
South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China are the main consumers of helium from Qatar.
The majority of supplies are made under long-term contracts, which makes price changes less noticeable in the short term.
However, the supply shortage will continue as exports from Qatar decline.
According to Alexander Romanenko, CEO of the research company IndexBox, a 30-day interruption in supplies could lead to a 10-20 percent increase in spot helium prices, while a 60-90 day interruption could lead to a 25-50 percent increase, especially for buyers without long-term contracts.
Last week, a lawmaker from South Korea's ruling party, Kim Yong-bae, expressed concern that the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran could lead to disruptions in the supply of key materials for semiconductor production, including helium.
The Importance of Helium
Helium is unique because its cooling temperature is close to absolute zero, making it indispensable for various high technologies. It remains in a liquid state at low temperatures and serves to prevent leaks.
Additionally, helium is chemically inert and does not interact with other substances, making it an ideal coolant that does not contaminate chips or other materials.
These characteristics also make it perfect for cooling superconducting magnets, reducing their electrical resistance.
Applications of Helium
Liquid helium has long been an important component in the operation of MRI machines.
Superconducting magnets used in MRI machines require cooling to generate the powerful magnetic fields necessary for obtaining clear images of internal organs.
According to the German company Siemens, about 25 percent of all helium in the world is used for cooling superconducting magnets, and demand for it is steadily increasing.
Helium is also used in the production of semiconductors, which power virtually all modern electronics.
Furthermore, it is used in filling balloons, weather balloons, and some airships due to its lightness and non-flammability.
Consequences of Helium Shortage
There is no artificial substitute for helium, so its shortage could slow technological development.
This is not a new problem, as the crisis caused by the conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz marks the fifth instance of helium shortage since 2006.
The medical industry is trying to adapt. In 2002, Chinese scientists reported the creation of technology for MRI scanners that do not use helium, employing a new super-cold material.
Researchers are also working on devices capable of recycling helium, which would help reduce its consumption.
Nevertheless, at present, most MRI machines in the world use liquid helium.
Other Helium Producers and Their Capacity to Increase Production
The U.S. is the largest producer of helium, providing over 40 percent of the world's supply.
Exxon Mobil, based in Texas, is the largest producer outside of Qatar, and Canadian companies such as North American Helium may also face growing demand, as noted by Anish Kapadia, CEO of AKAP Energy.
However, North American consumers also depend on helium from the Gulf of Mexico.
Airgas, a subsidiary of Air Liquide, declared force majeure and halved its helium supplies.
Air Liquide plans to redistribute its supply chain to obtain helium from other regions, and this announcement was made during the opening of a new plant in Taichung, Taiwan. The company intends to utilize various sources across different continents and its storage in Europe.
The article "Why the U.S.-Israel War Against Iran Could Lead to Delays in MRI Scanning" first appeared in K-News.
