Global helium supply shortages, coupled with a stable worldwide demand, have caused frequent price increases and a notoriously tight market. As new capacity enters the market and there is a balancing of supply, a less strained supply chain should ensue as 2014 unfolds.
But there are also questions as to whether helium demand will actually be marginally smaller than it once was.
This is of course related to the ‘price elasticity of demand’ concept; as prices go up, demand falls – as long as there are suitable substitutes. The so-named Helium Shortage 2.0 and impending Helium Cliff scenario of the last few years has enforced fresh thinking in the industry, with significant innovation effort invested in developing both alternatives to helium, and recovery and recycling technologies.
... to continue reading you must be subscribed
