Iran's drone strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan facility create critical supply shock. Qatar produces roughly one-third of global helium supply, essential for semiconductor manufacturing, space technology, and medical imaging. The attack caused extensive damage to the world's largest LNG plant, forcing production halts and cutting annual helium exports by fourteen percent. Repairs will take years. This disruption threatens advanced technology supply chains worldwide, potentially impacting chipmakers and aerospace industries. Helium, a natural gas byproduct, cannot be easily substituted in precision manufacturing. Market participants are monitoring potential price spikes and supply constraints across dependent sectors.
