Helium supply hit by Middle East conflict could push memory prices higher

Helium plays an unexpected but critical role in making processors, GPUs, DRAM and flash modules. The gas is used to flush other gases from wafer fabrication systems and must be extremely pure, and the current situation in the Middle East is likely to seriously impact that supply.

Jukan on X, an analyst at Citrini, said major chip makers such as Samsung and SK hynix are looking for other ways to source helium. For South Korea's semiconductor industry, 64% of last year's helium imports came from Qatar. Qatar sits across the Persian Gulf from Iran, and with the Strait of Hormuz practically closed to all shipping, that supply has suddenly dried up.

The US is the world's largest helium producer and might be able to meet demand, but securing enough gas at short notice will not be easy; Russia is another large producer, but transactions with that country are far from simple.

Qatar, Persian Gulf

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