Up, Up and Away, Not So Fast!
Guest Blog By: Our very own - Kevin Vinicombe
Most people aren’t aware of the significant Helium shortage currently in the United States until they try to purchase Helium filled Balloons from their local Party Shop or Florist. Some retailers that use Helium for decorating or resale are finding it increasingly difficult to secure a supply; some vendors are rationing or completely cutting off retailers. Unfortunately the shortage as been creeping up on us for a long time, some experts say it began in the 1996 when the US Government starting selling their reserves to private refiners as part of the Helium Privatization Act. This made helium a plentiful resource for years, until recently.
Helium is extracted during the same process with Natural Gas and since we’ve experienced a mild Winter the extraction of Natural Gas has been minimized even though there is plenty of Gas available. It boils down to basic Economics of Supply/Demand and Cost/Benefit for the company’s that extract the Gas. Helium is extremely important because it is used everyday for Scientific Research and in various Medical Devices, such as MRI machines. Of course the scientific and industrial needs always take priority over decorating use, and rightfully so.
Needless to say for a Company called, “Monday Morning Flower and BALLOON” this could be a concern. So far we haven’t felt the pinch, since we’ve had a wonderful relationship with our supplier for many, many years and a contract with them also helps! Yes, there has been a serious increase in the cost of Helium but that’s across the board for everyone. Supposedly, the supply will loosen up in the Fall because some processing and refineries will begin production again, so it’s wait and see. For now we’re happy to say we have Helium for all our decorating needs and we have the smiles to prove it!
To see more of our balloon decor designs check out our website at www.sendingsmiles.com or our event site at www.mondaymorningballoons.com or check out the fun video below!
Most people aren’t aware of the significant Helium shortage currently in the United States until they try to purchase Helium filled Balloons from their local Party Shop or Florist. Some retailers that use Helium for decorating or resale are finding it increasingly difficult to secure a supply; some vendors are rationing or completely cutting off retailers. Unfortunately the shortage as been creeping up on us for a long time, some experts say it began in the 1996 when the US Government starting selling their reserves to private refiners as part of the Helium Privatization Act. This made helium a plentiful resource for years, until recently.
Helium is extracted during the same process with Natural Gas and since we’ve experienced a mild Winter the extraction of Natural Gas has been minimized even though there is plenty of Gas available. It boils down to basic Economics of Supply/Demand and Cost/Benefit for the company’s that extract the Gas. Helium is extremely important because it is used everyday for Scientific Research and in various Medical Devices, such as MRI machines. Of course the scientific and industrial needs always take priority over decorating use, and rightfully so.
Needless to say for a Company called, “Monday Morning Flower and BALLOON” this could be a concern. So far we haven’t felt the pinch, since we’ve had a wonderful relationship with our supplier for many, many years and a contract with them also helps! Yes, there has been a serious increase in the cost of Helium but that’s across the board for everyone. Supposedly, the supply will loosen up in the Fall because some processing and refineries will begin production again, so it’s wait and see. For now we’re happy to say we have Helium for all our decorating needs and we have the smiles to prove it!
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