Strait of Hormuz closure deflates global helium supply

NPR | By Lilly Quiroz,

Diantha Parker

Published April 3, 2026 at 3:43 AM CDT

The blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is affecting not only oil, but the global helium supply.

NPR News

Lilly Quiroz

Lilly Quiroz (she/her/ella) is a production assistant for Morning Edition and Up First. She pitches and produces interviews for Morning Edition, and occasionally goes to the dark side to produce the podcast Up First on the overnights.

See stories by Lilly Quiroz

Diantha Parker

Related Content

Ozarks at Large Stories

EverHope marks new name, Child Abuse Prevention Month

Jack Travis

Benton County's EverHope, formerly the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, gathered state leaders to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month and discuss its expanded approach to serving children in crisis.
Local Music

George's Majestic Lounge owner reflects on legacy of venue

Sophia Nourani

Brian Crowne, owner of George's Majestic Lounge, talks community, music and nearly 100 years of history ahead of a KUAF benefit concert at the Fayetteville venue on April 26.
Ozarks at Large Stories

Mexican soccer rivals bring historic match to Fayetteville

Daniel Caruth

Tigres and Club América faced off at Razorback Stadium in the first international soccer match played in Arkansas, drawing nearly 9,000 fans from across the region.