Is There a Helium Shortage Right Now? Supply, Prices and Outlook, November 2026

Is there a helium shortage right now?

Yes. About a third of world helium supply went offline in March 2026, when Iranian strikes halted production at Qatar's Ras Laffan complex ^[1]. Supply has partly recovered since, but volumes remain far below pre-war levels, with only partial restarts and limited transits through the Strait of Hormuz ^[1]. Industry suppliers continue to describe the market as short: WestAir, a US gas distributor, says plainly that there is a helium shortage and that it could last up to five years ^[2].

The scale matters because helium supply is concentrated. The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates world production at about 190 million cubic metres in 2025, of which the United States produced about 81 million and Qatar about 63 million ^[3]. Losing most of Qatar's output for months, and part of it for years, cannot be replaced quickly.

Why is helium in short supply?

Three supply shocks hit at once:

1. Qatar. Production stopped on 2 March, and missile strikes on 18–19 March damaged LNG trains that also feed Qatar's helium plants ^[4]. Qatar expects helium output about 14% lower until those trains are rebuilt, which may take three to five years ^[4].
2. Russia. In April 2026, Russia introduced approval requirements for helium exports outside the Eurasian Economic Union, until the end of 2027 ^[5,6]. The EU has banned imports of Russian helium since 2024 ^[6].
3. China. On 10 July 2026, China's commerce ministry and customs administration announced a temporary ban on helium exports, with no end date ^[6]. China exported only about 438 tonnes in January–November 2025, but the ban removes a small source of flexibility for Asian buyers ^[6].

Logistics make it worse. About 200 specialised cryogenic containers were stranded near Hormuz at the start of the crisis, and liquid helium can be held for only about 35–48 days before it boils off ^[1,7].

How much has the price of helium gone up?

A lot, though prices vary by contract. Energy News Beat reports that spot helium moved from roughly $300–500 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) before the war to about $600–1,200 or more, with some short-term deals near $0.90 a cubic foot ^[1]. For comparison, the USGS put the 2025 base price for Grade-A helium at about $330 per Mcf before surcharges ^[1].

Distributors added charges on top of contracts. Airgas imposed a surcharge of $13.50 per hundred cubic feet from March, and spot prices rose 40% to 100% from the start of the crisis, according to WestAir ^[2]. Our helium prices analysis covers contract and spot pricing in more detail.

Who is getting helium, and who is not?

Suppliers have been rationing. Airgas declared force majeure on helium from 17 March and told some customers to expect up to 50% of their normal monthly volumes, while distributors prioritised healthcare ^[2]. Universities were hit hard: the University of Colorado cut users on three campuses to 40% of historical usage from June ^[8].

The largest buyers have paid for security. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix signed new long-term supply agreements with Linde and Air Products, accepting higher prices ^[9]. Air Liquide says it holds more than a year of supply in underground storage in Germany ^[9].

Is the helium shortage getting better?

Slowly. Qatar restarted Ras Laffan in June and, according to AKAP Energy, restarted helium production at its Helium 2 plant by early August ^[10]. By October, industry sources described production as running at a fraction of normal capacity ^[7]. Qatari LNG traffic through Hormuz has been broadly steady for a month, with eleven laden LNG tankers leaving in the ten days to 8 November ^[11]. Because Qatari helium is produced alongside LNG, steadier LNG output is a positive sign.

Diplomacy could speed recovery. Oil prices fell sharply on 9 November on hopes of a US–Iran deal ^[12]. A lasting agreement would let containers move more freely, but repaired capacity would still take years ^[4].

Questions people ask about the helium shortage

Is helium in short supply right now?

Yes. As of November 2026, supply is still well below pre-war levels because Qatari output is only partly restored, Russia restricts exports and China has banned them ^[1,6,7].

How long will the helium shortage last?

Estimates vary. Santiago & Company projected that the market would be about 15% short of demand for the rest of 2026 and likely into 2027 ^[4]. WestAir expects the shortage could last up to five years, with prices elevated for up to three years ^[2].

Does the United States have enough helium?

The US is the world's largest producer, with about 81 million cubic metres in 2025 ^[3], and ExxonMobil's LaBarge plant in Wyoming alone supplies about 20% of world helium ^[1]. US buyers are less exposed to Qatar than Asian buyers, but they still faced surcharges and allocations ^[2].

Will there be enough helium for hospitals and MRI scanners?

Distributors have prioritised healthcare customers ^[2], so hospitals have generally been served first. Our analysis of who is hurt most by the helium shortage looks at MRI, chips and space.

What to watch

• Qatar's LNG and helium output as more trains return ^[4,11].
• US–Iran talks and container movements through Hormuz ^[1,12].
• Russia's and China's export rules, both currently restrictive ^[5,6].
• Contract renewals and surcharges announced by gas suppliers ^[2,9].

For all our coverage, see the helium topic page.

Alupetra follows the helium and LNG markets from Istanbul, London and Dubai; Alupetra does not deal with sanctioned parties.