Strikes on Qatar’s Helium Facilities Threaten MRI Operations as Global Supply Chain Disruptions Escalate

Strikes on Qatar’s liquefied natural gas facilities, linked to the U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, have disrupted global helium supplies, raising concerns for hospitals reliant on the gas to cool magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. While MRI units remain operational for now, experts warn that prolonged conflict could strain healthcare systems, particularly in regions with older medical equipment.

How Does Helium Shortage Affect MRI Scanners?

Helium is critical for cooling the superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, which require liquid helium at temperatures near absolute zero. Each scanner contains approximately 2,000 liters of the gas, with a small portion evaporating monthly and needing periodic replacement. Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, explained that modern “zero boil-off” MRI systems recondense helium, reducing consumption but not eliminating it entirely. “These scanners still require maintenance, but they use significantly less helium than older models,” he said.

Healthcare accounts for about 30% of global helium consumption, with MRI systems historically being the largest users before semiconductor manufacturing overtook them. However, the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB) noted that newer MRI systems are less dependent on helium, citing technological advancements that have improved efficiency.

What Are the Geopolitical Risks to Helium Supply?

Qatar, a key helium producer, supplies roughly 30% of the global market as a byproduct of natural gas. Strikes on its Ras Laffan industrial complex—home to major liquefied natural gas operations—have triggered force majeure declarations, halting exports. Kornbluth estimated the actual global helium shortage from these disruptions is closer to 10–15%, not 30%, due to pre-existing oversupply and stored reserves. “The risk of immediate MRI service disruptions in Europe is lower than in past shortages,” he said, though he cautioned that supply chain vulnerabilities persist.

France’s Air Liquide, which relies heavily on Qatari helium, has faced supply constraints, with some suppliers implementing allocation policies. This could impact hospitals using smaller resellers, which may receive reduced helium quotas. “Local gas companies that depend on major suppliers are particularly vulnerable,” Kornbluth warned.

Why Are Older MRI Systems at Higher Risk?

While newer MRI scanners are helium-efficient, legacy systems—common in parts of Eastern and Southeastern Europe—require larger volumes of the gas. The ESMRMB highlighted that these older machines face greater challenges during supply shortages. “Centers with outdated infrastructure may struggle with maintenance logistics and rising costs,” the society stated. Andrew Webb, a radiology professor at Leiden University Medical Center, noted that even helium-free MRI technology is not yet universal, with older scanners expected to remain in use for 10–20 years.

What Could Happen If the Conflict Intensifies?

The situation remains fluid, with Qatar’s Ras Laffan facilities still at risk of further attacks. Kornbluth emphasized that a prolonged conflict could exacerbate supply issues, particularly if production restarts are delayed. “Ras Laffan is a high-priority target for Iran, so the outlook depends on the war’s trajectory,” he said. Hospitals and suppliers are monitoring the crisis closely, with some preparing for potential shortages through inventory management and alternative sourcing.

For now, most European hospitals report no immediate disruptions. However, experts stress that long-term resilience will depend on diversifying helium sources and accelerating the adoption of helium-free MRI technology. “The key challenge is balancing short-term supply stability with investments in sustainable alternatives,” Webb said.