Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is causing a helium shortage that has affected those that sell helium-filled balloons.
With limited supply available, more people are opting for air-filled decorations for their celebrations, say local balloon business owners.
“A lot of the world’s supply (of helium) comes from Russia,” explains Tess DeMarco, co-owner of Guelph’s Looney Ballooney. “Right now we’re not able to get any more cylinders filled.”
As a result, the business, which launched in the midst of the pandemic, has found itself unable to take any new orders involving helium. However, DeMarco said it has a couple cylinders of the lighter-than-air gas on hand to fill previous commitments.
While helium-filled balloons are only a small part of Looney Ballooney’s business, DeMarco said wanting customers have been accepting of alternative air-filled decorations.
“I don’t think we’ve lost any sales. People still want to celebrate,” she said.
Canada has implemented sanctions on a wide variety of imports from Russia in response to its Ukraine invasion, though helium isn’t specifically mentioned.
Parties Plus finds itself in a similar situation, says owner Marlene Thompson.
“We have limited the amount of helium balloons (being sold),” she said, noting helium-filled balloons were previously a major aspect of the businesses but its customers have been open to air-filled alternatives as well. “Almost everybody understands.”
Thompson and DeMarco agree this is one of the busiest times of year – graduation season.
With limited supply and increased demand, the cost of helium has gone up, essentially doubling in the past year. Both businesses have been working to absorb that higher cost but have passed some of it along to customers via price increases.
Helium was in short supply even before the Russian invasion, DeMarco noted, explaining there’s only a few places in the world where it’s found. In addition to that, the gas is used in medical procedures such as MRIs.
“Balloon persons are the last persons to get helium,” said Johnny Ghoerahoe, franchisee of the Buck or Two store on Grange Road, which sells helium-filled balloons.
When the invasion first began, he said the store was limiting sales but the plan now is to sell what it’s got available and hope there’s access to more when that’s gone.
“If I’m out, I’m out,” Ghoerahoe said. “Wednesday I’m calling back the supplier to see if they have anything for me. If not, that will be it."
