Global Helium Shortage Dampens The Party

LOS ANGELES, CA — Not to let all the air out of your balloon, but there is a global helium shortage and it’s already starting to have an effect on spring birthday parties and baby showers.

Party supply stores across California are posting signs warning residents not to get their hopes up about getting balloons up in the air. Instead, party-throwers are being encouraged to find new and creative methods for displaying plain old oxygen-filled balloons.

Though five-year-old birthday parties are hardly the most pressing use for helium, the balloon rationing is bringing home the global shortage to everyday Americans. Helium plays an important role in medical and aerospace technology, and supplies have been running low for a decade with the latest shortage going on for a year with no sign of relief in sight.

"There are major industries that rely on helium in their manufacturing processes, for instance semiconductor manufacturing, optical fibre manufacturing, the aerospace industry," Phil Kornbluth, a helium industry consultant told CNC News.

The nonrenewable gas is used in MRIs and cell phone manufacturing, and the shortage is driving up costs. The price of helium has more than doubled since 2018, and it’s taking a toll on everyone from party suppliers to medical researchers. According CNBC, Party City’s stock tanked 30 percent in the last year largely because, at any given time, between 50 and 200 of Party City’s 850 stores don’t have any helium in their tanks.

Helium is extracted from natural underground deposits, and like oil, much of the world’s helium comes from places like Texas and the Middle East. But supplies have been running short, affecting scientific research efforts, and the Bureau of Land Management has been rationing supplies.

Shoppers at Party City, one of the nation’s biggest party supply stores are, in some areas, being told that the company is not currently filling orders for helium-filled balloons. Instead, the company has been posting tutorials for creating balloon walls and balloon arches out of standard oxygen-filled balloons.

“Because of this global helium shortage, fulfillment of balloon orders may be affected at your store,” Party City is warning its customers. “We’re working to replenish the helium at the affected stores as more supply becomes available. Despite this helium hiccup, Party City is committed to helping you to throw an unforgettable party.”

Party organizers can still get helium balloons even if their local store isn’t filling orders. They can fill their own balloons with standard helium tanks available to the public for prices that range from $40 to $60. Stores that are filling orders are passing along the added costs in many places, with single balloons often costing as much as $1.60 per balloon.

Or party organizers can get creative and skip the helium balloon all together and dazzle guests with balloon walls and arches. All you need is tape, some rubber bands and patience.