60 Minutes Transcript: Helium in short supply as Iran war continues
Helium, most closely associated with party balloons, but critical for far more, is facing supply chain issues due to the war with Iran. The shortage has left American industry desperate for answers.
Since the war with Iran escalated, gas prices have increased by over 50% since January. But a less well-known natural resource, helium, has also been impacted by the conflict. Helium is essential for various modern technologies, including cellphones, laptops, cars, MRI machines, and missiles. The Strait of Hormuz closing in February effectively trapped one-third of the global helium supply, and Iranian strikes on Qatar's major gas facility further exacerbated the situation.
The U.S. industry is currently grappling with the consequences of this helium crisis, which remains unresolved.
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