MOSCOW, April 14 (Reuters) - Russia has imposed temporary export controls on helium to maintain a stable supply to the domestic market, where the gas is mainly used in the production of fibre optics,
Russia Imposes Helium Export Controls to Secure Domestic Supply Through 2027
Russia's Helium Export Policy and Market Implications
Introduction to Russia's Helium Export Controls
MOSCOW, April 14 (Reuters) - Russia has imposed temporary export controls on helium to maintain a stable supply to the domestic market, where the gas is mainly used in the production of fibre optics, the government said in a statement on Tuesday.
Global Helium Supply Challenges
Impact of Middle East Conflict on Helium Availability
The war in the Middle East has tightened the supply of the gas, which is also used in several key stages of chipmaking, including cooling, leak detection and precision manufacturing processes.
Details of the New Export Regime
The decree added helium to a list of commodities whose export outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) requires special permission by top government officials. The new export regime will be in force until the end of 2027.
Russia's Position in the Global Helium Market
Production and Domestic Importance
Russia is the third-largest global producer of helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, accounting for around 8% of the global production, according to Gazprombank's analysts. At home, helium is important for the production of fibre optics, increasingly used by the army to control drones.
Comparison with Leading Producers
United States and Qatar's Dominance
However, Russia trails far behind the United States and Qatar, with the Middle Eastern country producing over one-third of the global supply in 2025.
Government Strategy and Future Outlook
Prime Minister's Comments on Trade and Price Stability
Earlier this month, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that global supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East have opened up new trade opportunities for Russia, but price stability in the domestic market remains a priority.
Key Helium Production Facilities
He mentioned helium among commodities whose exports Russia can increase. Gazprom's Amur Gas Processing Plant in the Far East is the biggest producer of helium in Russia.
(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Gleb Bryanski; Editing by Janane Venkatraman)
