RE: Russia restricts helium exports14 Apr 2026 14:02
MOSCOW. April 14 (Interfax) - The Russian government has introduced a temporary authorization procedure for exports of helium outside of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
According to the corresponding government resolution, helium has been added to the list of selected goods which are subject to temporary export restrictions as part of measures to implement decree No. 100 from the Russian president, dated March 8, 2022.
The government's press service said that the raw material could be exported by decision of the prime minister, the first deputy prime minister or acting deputy prime minister based on proposals submitted by the Industry and Trade Ministry. This procedure will be in effect from the date of the signed decree's official publication until the end of 2027.
This decision is aimed at ensuring the domestic market has a stable supply of helium, which is used in the production of fiber-optic products among others, the press service said.
The conflict in the Middle East has led to the disruption of traditional sea routes that ensure the logistics of oil and gas supplies, and their restoration will require significant investment and time, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on April 7.
"The consequences extend far beyond the international fuel and energy sector alone. According to some estimates, about 40% of global exports of carbamide, an important fertilizer, have already been halted: prices in certain markets have increased more than one and a half times. Also, the conflict region accounts for up to half of global sulfur supplies. Sulfur is used in metallurgy, the battery and electronics industries, as is helium, the global supply of which has decreased by almost a third. And that includes medical tomographs, semiconductor production, artificial intelligence systems, and advanced scientific research," Mishustin said.
Helium is sought after by high-tech industries. Helium producers in Russia include the Amur and Orenburg gas processing plants, owned by Gazprom , and Irkutsk Oil Company.
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