Helium Prices Up 40% as Iran Conflict Cuts Off One-Third of Global Supply

Helium spot prices have surged 40% as the Iran conflict removes roughly one-third of global supply, according to MarketWatch (August 30, 2026). Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG facility — where helium is extracted as a byproduct — remains idled, and the Strait of Hormuz has stayed impassable throughout the conflict. Qatar supplies 64.7% of US helium imports, valued at $226.9 million. The squeeze has hit Dollar Tree balloon sales, semiconductor fabrication, and MRI operations. Six months in, no resolution is visible.