[mvpel]

The US has the world’s largest helium reserve, outside of Amarillo, but it’s being depleted rapidly:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102093943.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-205_162-6797764.html

I’m sure it’s quite expensive outside the US, and the prices have gone up significantly over the last several years.

[Strategerist]

I’ve always thought we should declare ourself OHEC (Organization of Helium Exporting Country) and then use Helium embargos to drive up the price and bend foreign countries dependent on helium to our will.

First Armenia, tomorrow the world! They shall see the consequences of our wrath.