As is well known,heliumresources have been in tight supply since last summer, creating a situation where demand outstrips supply,heliumprices have also continued to soar. This situation persisted into 2019, causing significant distress for many.heliumUser!
While many end-users are seeking new alternatives, they are also highly concerned about how long this price fluctuation will last.
There are several main reasons behind this helium price fluctuation:
From an international perspective, in September 2018, the merger of Linde and Praxair affected the helium pricesimported. The shutdown of U.S. helium plants for equipment maintenance reduced helium production, naturally impacting import prices. Additionally, the delay in the commissioning of Qatar's third-phase helium purification project and Russia's Amur Gas Processing Plant has led to a tightening of helium resources.
From a domestic perspective, China has always been a helium-deficient country with extremely tight helium resources. Although abundant helium reserves have been discovered in the Weihe Basin of Shaanxi and the Dagang Oilfield, there remain significant challenges in both exploration and production technologies.
WithheliumWidely used, the helium market has become increasingly tight. However, helium users need not worry excessively, as U.S. helium plants gradually resumed production in the second half of 2019, and starting next year, Qatar and Russia will also begin production, with helium output expected to increase.