After Gulf economic boycott , Qatar shuts helium plants‏

Qatar, the world’s second largest helium producer, has closed its two helium production plants because of the economic boycott imposed on it by other Arab states, industry sources told Reuters Tuesday .

The helium plants operated by RasGas, a subsidiary of state-owned Qatar Petroleum, were shut because Saudi Arabia closed its border with Qatar, blocking overland exports of the gas, a Qatar Petroleum official told Reuters.

In Washington, the Saudi foreign minister insisted there’s no blockade on Qatar and said his country will provide food and medical supplies if needed. Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said before a meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Qatar’s ports and airports are open.