QatarEnergy and Air Liquide Sign Long-Term Helium Sales Agreement for 300 Million Cubic Feet Annually
DOHA, QATAR – January 27, 2026 – QatarEnergy and Air Liquide announced a long-term sales and purchase agreement for 300 million cubic feet per annum of helium from Qatar’s production facilities. The deal secures supply for critical industries including healthcare, semiconductors, and space exploration amid tightening global helium markets. This builds on the companies’ partnership since Qatar’s first helium plant commenced operations in 2005.
Announcement Specifics
The sales and purchase agreement was signed on January 27, 2026, covering 300 million cubic feet of helium annually from Qatar’s helium production facilities linked to North Field LNG expansions. Financial terms and the exact duration beyond “long-term” were undisclosed. The helium will be sourced from QatarEnergy’s world-class production infrastructure, which is set to more than double capacity through North Field expansion projects.
Stakeholder Perspectives
“Air Liquide has been a strategic partner in the helium business since the startup of our first helium plant in 2005. It has been an integral player in providing a reliable supply of high-quality Qatari helium to a number of critical industries around the world. We are very pleased to continue our long-term partnership with Air Liquide as we help meet the growing demand for helium.”
— His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy
Why it matters: This underscores Air Liquide’s role as both a foundation customer and technology provider, ensuring stable off-take as Qatar expands its helium production capacity.
“Qatar is one of the world’s largest helium exporters. Our helium capacity is set to more than double with our North Field LNG expansion projects. This will further support a wide range of sectors and industries that depend on helium to drive human development.”
— His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy
Why it matters: The statement positions Qatar’s expansion strategy within the context of global helium supply constraints and rising industrial demand.
Industry Context
The global helium market is projected to grow from $5.19 billion in 2024 to $5.55 billion in 2025, driven by demand from MRI scanners, semiconductors, fiber optics, space exploration, and welding applications. Supply constraints in key production regions including Qatar and Algeria have intensified competition for long-term contracts. Qatar’s position as one of the world’s largest helium exporters becomes increasingly strategic as North Field expansions come online.
This agreement reinforces Qatar’s leadership in MENA’s helium exports, diversifying the country’s revenue streams beyond LNG while supporting high-value industrial applications. The deal follows similar agreements QatarEnergy has signed with Messer and Buzwair, demonstrating a systematic approach to securing off-take capacity ahead of production increases.
Conclusion
The agreement positions QatarEnergy to meet surging global helium demand as production capacity doubles through North Field expansions. The partnership deepens Qatar’s strategic relationship with Air Liquide while ensuring stable supply for critical technology and healthcare sectors worldwide.
Sources: Zawya, Saudi Gulf Projects, Qatar News Agency, Research and Markets
