WASHINGTON – Just in time for grad parties and summer celebrations, there’s a helium shortage, NBC Washington reports.

The problem started in 1996 when the federal government enacted a cost-cutting law and began selling off helium reserves that were stored underground.

Now, they’re running out.

Some party stores say they are having trouble finding suppliers, so keep this in mind for graduation celebrations and summer parties.

Another problem, however, is that helium is used for more than filling balloons and making your voice sound funny. It’s also used in flat-screen TVs, fiber optics, solar panels, rocket fuel and even MRIs.

WTOP’s Kyle Cooper contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

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