You may have heard reports of a global shortage of helium or that the helium market will be tight in 2019. Fluctuations in the helium supply are nothing new. About three quarters of the global helium supply comes from the U.S. and a move by Congress in 1996 to privatize the Federal Helium Program has been cited as a cause for disruptions and instability in the availability and price of helium [1]. In addition, worldwide refinery equipment failures and increased demand for helium from newly industrialized countries such as China, exacerbates the shortage. All this can negatively impact your balloon business.
Where Does Helium Come From?
Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe but it only makes up about 0.0005% of the earth’s atmosphere. So do we get it from the atmosphere? No. Helium is recovered from underground natural gas deposits. Most helium sold today is a byproduct of the natural gas industry. Much of the U.S. national helium supply comes from allocations of helium from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) helium reserves. However not all helium comes from BLM sources. A wholesale supplier that gets its helium from independent sources can be more stable and help smooth out the fluctuations.
Who Uses Helium?
Beyond inflating party balloons and filling blimps, helium is used in medical and scientific applications. Superconducting magnets used in MRI scanners and chemistry lab equipment need to be bathed in liquid helium in order to function. Helium is also used for pressurizing rocket fuel tanks, as an inert shield for arc welding, and in scuba tanks.
What about My Party Balloons?
If helium gas refills become harder to get, there are plenty of things you can do to provide great party balloons for your customers. Get creative with air-filled latex and foil balloons. Use string to make balloon garlands. Create a balloon arch or balloon wall using tape or rods and magnets to hold balloons up.
Where Can I Get a Stable Helium Supply at Stable Prices?
AGP has its own helium wells and is the largest independent purchaser of balloon helium in the US Market. AGP is not a broker. AGP has a strong supply chain with wholesale helium supply to strategic partners combined with 28 state direct supply. Its vertically integrated supply is one of the strongest in the industry. AGP provides nationwide as well as global coverage. It is a stable helium gas supplier you can rely on.
[1] Why Is There a Helium Shortage? Popular Mechanics. 2012.
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