The Iran war is threatening the supply of helium, a key resource in many industries including semiconductors, industrial manufacturing, and medical imaging. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that Qatar produced more than one-third of the world's helium supply before the war, but operations at QatarEnergy's Ras Laffan Industrial City were halted after it was hit by an Iranian drone. This disruption could impact energy prices, food prices and industrial production. The Semiconductor Industry Association warned in 2023 that disruptions to the global semiconductor manufacturing industry could be significant. South Korea and Taiwan are particularly vulnerable to Middle East helium supply. The Strait of Hormuz's effective closure has increased helium prices by limiting supply. If helium supplies grow short, allocations will be determined based on how critical the gas is needed.