Fears of a helium crunch are mounting after a drop in global output since the start of the Iran war, as the conflict’s impact spreads beyond energy markets into other critical supply chains.
The Gulf is a major exporter of helium, a byproduct of natural gas that is critical for the manufacturing of microchips — including those used to power the global AI boom — as well as for the functioning of some medical devices.
A US subsidiary of France’s Air Liquide last week wrote to helium customers to declare force majeure on helium supply contracts, warning in correspondence seen by the FT that it could be unable to fulfil orders as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
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