Rising Prices cause Shorage of Helium Tanks in Local Stores

Grocery and party stores are having a hard time keeping helium tanks stocked.

Hugo's has been dealing with a helium shortage since Valentine's Day, one of their busiest holidays.

The floral director at Hugo's says when there's a helium shortage, the priority for helium goes to hospitals, and welding businesses.

The price per balloon has only gone up a dollar, yet the price per tank -- has nearly doubled.

Maureen Sharpe, Hugo's Floral Director, says, "We did have signs posted for a while, that because of the shortage of helium and the large increase cost to us that this was a reason for our price increase."

Despite the price increase, stores have still had a successful graduation season.

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