Radio National Breakfast Iran war threatens global helium supply
Mar 23, 2026
Phil Kornbluth, a global helium consultant and president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, explains why disruptions in the Middle East threaten the helium supply. He outlines Qatar’s outsized role, how a pre-crisis surplus masks looming shortages, and why most helium is vital for MRI machines, semiconductors and industrial uses.
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Projected Global Helium Shortage
- Global helium supply may face a 10–15% shortfall due to shutdowns in Qatar's plants.
- Phil Kornbluth estimates a pre-crisis surplus of ~15% will cushion but shortages remain significant.
Prepare For Helium Supply Disruptions
- Expect disruption and plan for supply tightness even if short-term cushions exist.
- Kornbluth notes the prior ~15% overhang will help but organisations should prepare for a 10–15% shortfall.
Most Helium Fuels Industry Not Parties
- About 90% of helium demand comes from industrial and medical uses, not balloons.
- Phil Kornbluth identifies semiconductor manufacturing as the largest use and MRI scanning as the second largest.