If you like helium balloons, this might deflate you a bit.

A worldwide helium shortage is hitting Saskatoon's balloon industry.

"We'll have to get very creative with air," laughed Lynn Ganyo, owner of Balloon Creations in Saskatoon.

She said the gas is harder to get in the city and even trying to change suppliers didn't help.

"It's difficult to get from suppliers now and there is a shortage and some of the suppliers aren't taking on new customers."

Ganyo sells upwards of 500 helium balloons a month. She hasn't had to turn away any customers, but to help with the cost, there could be a price increase coming.

"We raised our prices last year. We haven't done so this year yet, but if it continues to go this route, then we will certainly have to look at that again," she said.

That means one helium balloon would set you back an extra five to 10 cents. The regular price to buy one of her helium balloons is $1.30.

Helium is a non-renewable gas and some experts say there is only enough of it left for another 25 years.

tburdeniuk@rawlco.com

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