Helium is used in advanced chip production and in MRI machines in hospitals. SINGAPORE: The global helium shortage has not immediately affected Singapore’s semiconductor manufacturing and healthcare operations, but a prolonged disruption could push prices up. Helium is used in advanced chip production as well as in some magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines that detect tumours and injuries to muscles or ligaments. The gas is a byproduct of natural gas processing, and Qatar is a key supplier.