Helium Shortage Looms: Unpacking the Systemic Consequences of the Middle East Conflict on Global Supply Chains
Original framing: “From semiconductors to medical tech, Iran war puts helium users on edge” — South China Morning Post
The original framing omits the historical context of helium production and the role of colonialism in shaping the global helium supply chain. It also neglects the perspectives of indigenous communities who have traditionally used helium for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, the story fails to address the structural causes of the shortage, such as the concentration of LNG production in a few countries.
Medium structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
This narrative was produced by the South China Morning Post, a publication that primarily serves the interests of the Chinese business community. The framing of the story serves to underscore the potential risks of a helium shortage for global industries, while obscuring the broader structural issues contributing to the shortage. The power structures that this narrative serves are those of the global economy and the interests of multinational corporations.
The history of helium production is closely tied to the colonial era, when European powers exploited the resources of colonized countries to meet their own industrial needs. This legacy of colonialism continues to shape the global helium supply chain, with many countries relying on a few dominant producers.
The shortage of helium highlights the need for a more resilient and diversified helium supply chain.