Unforeseen closures of multiple helium production plants across the world has caused a severe shortage of helium. It is anticipated that this shortage could last up to 6-9 months, if not longer. This has forced helium suppliers across the globe to claim force majeure, including our contracted laboratory and medical gas strategic partner, Airgas.

Effective immediately, the allocation level for helium is reduced to 65% for the entire University of Colorado. The PSC will continue to work with Airgas to mitigate this challenge. The PSC is also facilitating a group of helium users across all four campuses to best determine how to strategize this severe shortage until the force majeure is lifted or at a more manageable level. If you expect to have helium needs in 2022 and are not currently part of this group, we invite you to join us in this effort. Please contact Bethany Highfill (Bethany.Highfill@cu.edu) immediately. Going forward, no helium orders will be fulfilled without approval from the group of helium users.

We empathize with those of you who are impacted by the helium shortage, and feel the best approach is to work together to mitigate this shortage.

As a top tier and contracted customer, the University will receive any spare product before non-contracted customers. Other industries, such as retail outlets, will not have access to helium at this time. However, with this force majeure in place, you can also expect helium orders to be delayed. Please plan for up to 2-3 weeks in advance.

If you have questions, please contact Bethany Highfill at Bethany.Highfill@cu.edu.