Iranian Strikes Limit Supply of Gas for MRI Machines, AI Chips

Airgas Inc., one of the largest distributors of packaged gases in the US, will curtail helium shipments after Qatar halted production at a major liquefied natural gas facility following an Iranian strike.

Airgas, an Air Liquide SA company, declared a force majeure event on March 17 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time, according to letters dated last week that were reviewed by Bloomberg News. The company anticipates that it will provide some customers with up to half of their normal monthly helium deliveries, and it will add a $13.50 per hundred cubic feet surcharge.