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French Gas Company Reports Helium Shortage Due to Middle East Conflict

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 2:22 AM

Air Liquide, a major French industrial gas company, announced Wednesday that Middle East conflicts have created a temporary helium shortage. The company plans to redirect helium supplies from other global locations to meet customer demand.

A major French industrial gas company warned Wednesday that ongoing Middle East conflicts have triggered a temporary worldwide helium shortage, prompting the firm to shift supply sources to other global regions.

Air Liquide’s group vice president Armelle Levieux announced the supply disruption during a company event in Taiwan, explaining the connection between recent violence and helium availability.

“With the situation in the Middle East and the attacks that happened last week on the natural gas field, there is today a shortage of helium,” Levieux stated.

The executive explained that QatarEnergy, among the globe’s biggest natural gas producers, has invoked force majeure with its clients. Helium production relies heavily on natural gas operations, as the element emerges as a secondary product during gas extraction.

Levieux emphasized that Air Liquide maintains regular communication with clients while working to redirect helium resources from alternative worldwide locations.

The company made this announcement while inaugurating its first major advanced materials manufacturing facility in Taichung, Taiwan.

Air Liquide serves as a crucial supplier for Taiwan’s semiconductor sector, including partnerships with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the globe’s biggest contract chip producer.

The French company maintains operations at more than 60 locations throughout Taiwan, with 54 of these facilities specifically serving the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Taiwan’s Economy Ministry reported Tuesday that the island’s helium supply chains remain steady, noting that imports from the United States are currently accessible.

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