The US government has averted a helium crisis by passing legislation to continue the operation of the Federal Helium Reserve. Responsible for 30% of the world helium supply, the Reserve will transition from government-set pricing to an auction process. Helium is used to operate MRIs and for semiconductor manufacturing, fiber optics, metallurgy and analytical chemistry. Higher helium usage and shortages due to facility delays have led prices to rise over 400% in the past 13 years. Supply is expected to remain tight. Air Products plans to buy helium from Gazprom and is developing new natural gas fields. Large liquid natural gas plants may also be able to provide helium cost effectively.

Source: Specialty Chemicals