Helium is used in many industries including medical, welding, high tech manufacturing, spacecraft, and retail balloons. A recent report in the Star Telegram (Fort Worth, TX) noted that one third of the world’s helium comes from the US Government Federal Helium Reserve’s 450 mile pipeline. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) expects these helium reserves to be depleted by 2020.
This diminishing supply has affected helium users worldwide, including the balloon industry. Recent supply cutbacks combined with a helium separation plant going off-line for repairs has many people worried that we could see a another drastic shortage similar to the one experienced in 2006.
All over the world helium filled balloons are the decoration of choice for parties and special events. People within the balloon industry, however, were not celebrating when helium supply shortages were announced in July and August of 2011. This time, gas suppliers seemed more prepared for the shortages than in 2006, and many alerted their customers to the fact that they would be put on allocations. This move prevented helium hoarding or stockpiling and seemed to keep the situation manageable. “Although allocations made sense and we could continue to supply our existing customers, it was frustrating to have to turn away new business,” reports Molly Cummings, Chain Account Manager for Zephyr Solutions helium division.
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