Iran War Helium Disruption Threatens Global Chip Supply as Qatar Repairs Could Take Five Years

Iranian missile strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan complex removed roughly 30% of global semiconductor-grade helium supply, with spot prices surging 40-100%. Helium is irreplaceable in chip manufacturing for cooling wafers during etching and deposition. Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, home to the world's most advanced fabs, are most exposed, with South Korean manufacturers sourcing 55% of helium from GCC countries in 2025 and Taiwan 69%. Ras Laffan repairs are projected to take up to five years due to a global turbine shortage, not funding. CNBC reported Russia could profit from the disruption as an alternative helium supplier.