Helium shortage for tri-mix divers

[mrclean]

As some of you folks know, I am in no way to the level of trimix certification or any other technical specialties, but I read an interesting article somewhere on the Net in the past week regarding a shortage in the supply of helium.  It would appear there are issues way back in the supply chain out west and some other plants in the middle east/asia that are having problems coming online. 

Whatever the case may be for the tri-mix divers out there, 1) have you seen an increase in the price of helium at your LDS or 2) private access to helium if you are doing your own blending becoming difficult due to the shortage from helium suppliers?

Any thoughts?

[Vtach]

Increase in price, yes.  Problems with availability, no.  My supplier told me the price will be going up again but no foreseen shortages.

[matt t.]

The same rumor heard every 6 months or so. There are other places in the country that are seeing a shortage of "stocked" He. If you order ahead of time you should have no problem.

[pink_fins]

The store I work at fills balloons and we can't get our tanks filled.

A question? Where does helium come from ? How is it made ?


gail

[matt t.]