AirGas, an Air Liquide SA company and one of the largest distributors of packaged gases in the United States, declared a force majeure event on helium shipments effective March 17 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time. The declaration follows a collapse in helium production in Qatar, which supplies approximately one-third of global helium. Qatar halted LNG production, critical for helium extraction, after Iranian strikes affected regional energy infrastructure. AirGas has informed customers it anticipates supplying up to half of normal monthly helium deliveries for some accounts and will apply a surcharge of $13.50 per hundred cubic feet. The company is prioritizing healthcare customers over other sectors. Hospitals use helium for MRI machines and certain respiratory treatments. Medical imaging professionals in the US have stated that current disruptions are not affecting patient care. The semiconductor industry, which relies on helium for high-end chip manufacturing including AI accelerators, could face delays if the situation persists. Letters detailing the force majeure were reviewed by Bloomberg News. Source: https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/airgas-declares-force-majeure-helium-shipments-qatar-production-collapses. Perspectives from healthcare procurement groups indicate supplier prioritization of medical needs during shortages is standard practice, while manufacturing sectors have expressed concern over potential impacts to already strained AI-related supply chains.