Helium supply shock exposes fragile global market and highlights need for dedicated producers.

A fresh helium supply shock is exposing the fragile global market for the critical industrial gas. Disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure have jolted markets, pushing prices from $500 to over $1,000 per thousand cubic feet. Helium supply is heavily dependent on a few large projects, largely tied to LNG production, making short-term disruptions have outsized consequences. Dedicated helium producers, such as D3 Energy, are starting to attract attention.