The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Iran's de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz have not only shaken the oil and gas market but also led to a serious shortage of the noble gas helium. Experts warn of rising costs and potential delays in medical examinations, particularly for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
Helium is obtained as a byproduct of natural gas liquefaction and is essential for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI devices. A typical scanner contains 1,500 to 2,000 liters of liquid helium, which keeps the magnets near absolute zero. Without sufficient cooling, a so-called "quench" threatens – the sudden loss of superconductivity and thus the failure of the device.
Qatar is one of the world's largest helium producers, supplying about one-third of the global supply according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Production primarily takes place in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world's largest LNG terminal. Iranian drone and missile attacks on the facility have largely halted helium production. QatarEnergy has declared Force Majeure and reported "extensive damage" that could take years to repair. At the same time, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is blocking the export of remaining stocks.
Industry experts like Phil Kornbluth of Kornbluth Helium Consulting expect physical shortages to become noticeable within weeks. Spot prices for helium have already risen by 40 to 100 percent. The German Resource Agency (DERA) and the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) warn of significant disruptions in global supply.
Impact on Medicine
In medicine, helium is crucial primarily for MRI diagnostics. There are around 50,000 MRI devices worldwide, performing over 95 million examinations annually. Modern "Zero-Boil-Off" systems reduce consumption, but regular refills remain necessary – especially for older devices.
Hospitals and radiology practices in Germany and Europe have not yet been acutely affected, as buffer stocks and existing contracts are cushioning the situation in the short term. However, a prolonged blockade (more than four to eight weeks) threatens:
- Significantly higher procurement costs for helium
- Delayed maintenance and refills
- Longer waiting times for MRI appointments
- In isolated cases, temporary shutdown of scanners
Emergency and oncological diagnostics, as well as examinations for chronically ill patients, are particularly at risk. Helium is also used in breathing gas mixtures (e.g., Heliox for severe respiratory diseases) and in laboratory diagnostics.
Other Affected Areas
The helium shortage is not just affecting medicine. The semiconductor industry, which now consumes the largest share, fears production disruptions in chip manufacturing for AI, smartphones, and cars. Space travel, scientific research, and certain welding processes are also affected.
In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, and medical technology manufacturers are closely monitoring the situation. Suppliers such as Linde and Air Liquide have already pointed to allocations and price adjustments.
Are there alternatives?
Fully helium-free MRI scanners do not yet exist widely. New generations consume significantly less gas, but the transition takes years. The US, as the largest producer, is trying to partially compensate for the shortfalls but cannot replace Qatari volume in the short term. Experts are calling for more recycling and diversification of helium extraction in the long term.
The federal government is in contact with industry to minimize bottlenecks. It is currently unclear how long the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will last. As long as safe passage is not possible, supply chains for helium and other critical materials will remain disrupted.
Patients and clinics should not panic at the moment, but should be prepared for possible delays in planned MRI examinations. Current developments are continuously monitored by professional associations and authorities.
(Sources: Reports from Reuters, Financial Times, US Geological Survey, VCI, DERA, and statements from helium experts; as of: March 29, 2026)
