The Chip Shortage Is A Gulf Energy Crisis Wearing A Different Costume
The ongoing chip shortage is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions affecting global LNG supplies. Qatar's LNG export capacity has been significantly impacted by the conflict, leading to a reduction in helium production essential for chip manufacturing. This situation has created a ripple effect on the semiconductor industry, particularly in energy-dependent regions like Taiwan and South Korea.
- ▪Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted about 20% of global LNG supply for over 11 weeks.
- ▪Qatar produces a third of the world's helium as a byproduct of LNG processing, which has also been affected by the conflict.
- ▪Taiwan relies heavily on Qatari LNG, with its natural gas inventory only covering 10 to 11 days of demand.
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BusinessEnergyThe Chip Shortage Is A Gulf Energy Crisis Wearing A Different CostumeByGüney Yıldız,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I focus on the nexus of AI adoption, energy, and geopolitics.Follow AuthorMay 18, 2026, 02:00am EDTAerial views of Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG export complex, the world's largest, processing gas from the massive offshore North Field (shared with Iran), which accounts for roughly 20% of the global supply of liquefied natural gas, Ras Laffan, Qatar, 1996. (Photo by Barry Iverson/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz on February 28 has held roughly a fifth of global LNG supply off the market for 11 weeks.
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