Helium shortage is the worst yet

New York Times : Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, but a global shortage is disrupting a wide range of industriesâmdash;including the balloon industry. The shortage is a result of a combination of factors. The decrease in natural gas prices has reduced gas refinery companies’ desire to try to profit from capturing helium, a byproduct of gas extraction. Other suppliers are having production problems with existing plants and with the construction of new ones. And finally, the US government, which keeps a reserve that provides 30% of the world’s helium, raised prices significantly in October. These factors have combined to create a shortage that industry analysts say is the worst ever in scale and duration. Some balloon companies have resorted to mixing helium and air, and others have simply been unable to meet customer requests. Medical imaging companies that use helium to cool magnets have also felt the impact of low supplies and higher costs. There is some concern for future availability in the helium industry as well. In 1996 the US government agreed to completely privatize its helium reserves by 2015.