Texas stores complain helium prices keep on rising - KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo -

Texas stores complain helium prices keep on rising

Posted: Updated:

Florists and balloonists in North Texas and elsewhere say the prices they're paying for helium are sky-high.

The Fort Star-Telegram reports that helium is getting more expensive and more difficult to find. Francey Freeman, the owner of a Fort Worth balloon store, says prices have quadrupled with no signs of slowing down. Some grocery stores have stopped selling helium tanks altogether.

Texas is home to the nation's only federal helium reserve, located near Amarillo. But federal law requires the reserve to sell off all of its helium by 2015.

Some warn of a looming helium shortage and are calling on Congress to change the law.

Besides filling balloons, helium also cools MRI machines and is used in a variety of electronics.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Monday, May 20 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-20 04:14:43 GMT
    EDMOND, Okla. (AP) _ A tornado kicked up debris in an Oklahoma City suburb and threatened a number of tourist attractions on historic Route 66 before growing into a larger storm that rolled across rural
    A tornado kicked up debris in an Oklahoma City suburb and threatened a number of tourist attractions on historic Route 66 before growing into a larger storm that rolled across rural parts of central Oklahoma.
  • Monday, May 20 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-20 04:02:17 GMT
    Lawton, Okla._Two residents here in Lawton along with firefighters got their dose of heat after a home suddenly caught fire. It happened just before 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening on NW Liberty and 34th St. While
    Two residents here in Lawton along with firefighters got their dose of heat after a home suddenly caught fire.
  • Firefighters Urging Residents to Take Precautions Against the Heat

    Sunday, May 19 2013 11:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 03:54:25 GMT
    Lawton, OKLa._As temperatures continue to rise, so does the risk of heat stroke. Duncan firefighters said they're ready to help their residents beat the heat. They said they go on dozens of calls related
    As temperatures continue to rise, so does the risk of heat stroke. Duncan firefighters said they're ready to help their residents beat the heat.
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KSWO. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.