Kathmandu. Qatar Energy has been shutting down its Ras Lafan facility since March 2 following Iranian drone and missile attacks. The plant produces about 33 percent of the world’s helium. <\/p>\n
Helium production is stopped at about 5.2 million cubic meters of helium each month. Helium is an important gas. Which cools the MRI machines. The semiconductor purifies the air for chip manufacturing and maintains pressure on the rocket fuel. <\/p>\n
The shutdown has pushed chipmakers in South Korea and Taiwan to close within two weeks. MRI scanners in hospitals are at risk of shutting down. Experts say that if the shutdown continues for 60-90 days, prices could go up further. The crisis highlights how heavily the world is dependent on a few countries for helium. \u2019<\/p>\n
Why is Qatar’s Ras Lafan facility closed? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n During the Iran-US-Israel war, Iran launched drone and missile attacks on areas near Qatar. Qatar Energy had to close the Ras Lafan facility due to the danger. It is the largest helium production center in the world. Qatar is the world’s second-largest producer of helium. <\/p>\n Qatar is the world’s largest producer after the United States, Russia and Algeria. Helium is extracted from the facility along with natural gas. It is then separated and packaged. The global supply chain has been completely disrupted as the facility has been shut down due to fear of attack. <\/p>\n Where is helium needed? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Helium is a very light and cold gas. In MRI machines, helium is used to keep superconductor magnets cool to -269 degrees Celsius. MRI scanners don’t work if the helium runs out. Tests of patients’ brain, spinal cord and heart in hospitals may be disrupted. <\/p>\n Helium purifies the air during chip manufacturing in semiconductor factories. Due to which the process can run without pollution. Major South Korean and Taiwanese companies such as Samsung and TSMC could shut down if supplies are disrupted. This can increase the price of mobile phones, computers, cars and electronics. Helium also exerts fuel pressure in rockets and space missions. <\/p>\n Why did the price of double? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The halt in helium supplies has already doubled the price in the spot market. Previously, the price of a cubic meter was $10-15. But now it has doubled to $25-30. Experts estimate that if the shutdown lasts 60-90 days, the price could reach $50-100. <\/p>\n Only the United States, Qatar, Russia and Algeria produce helium. Of these, Qatar is an important part. The U.S. is also trying to increase its production. However, this will not be possible so soon. Russia and Algeria have also been affected by wars and sanctions. Therefore, the global helium shortage is very serious. <\/p>\n What is the impact of this in India? <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n In India, MRI machines, the semiconductor industry and space missions rely on helium. MRI tests in hospitals will be expensive and difficult if supplies are disrupted for a long time. The price of chip makers and mobile-computers could rise. ISRO’s rocket launch may also be affected. The Indian government is now looking for alternative sources and trying to increase its stocks. If the crisis escalates, India will also have to buy expensive helium. <\/p>\n Hidden threat of war<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The war in Iran is no longer limited to oil and missiles. This is now affecting the supply of essential commodities such as helium. The closure of Qatar’s Ras Lafan port is a major blow to the global economy. This is affecting the semiconductor, medical and space industries. This shows how much the world is dependent on a few countries. If the war continues for a long time, helium shortages and inflation could become a major problem. \u2013Agency<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kathmandu. Qatar Energy has been shutting down its Ras Lafan facility since March 2 following Iranian drone and missile attacks. The plant produces about 33 percent of the world’s helium. Helium production is stopped at about 5.2 million cubic meters of helium each month. Helium is an important gas. Which cools the MRI machines. 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