BAY CITY -- A nationwide helium shortage could deflate Valentine’s Day sales at local party stores and florists.

Party Pals Balloonery in Bay City is busy getting orders ready for Thursday, but this year, helium balloons come at a premium price.

Owner Sandy Royal says the price for the lightweight gas has doubled from $85 a tank to $175.

But, she says, they're being creative to combat the price hike.

“We use air-filled, we do stuffed balloons, so we're trying to compensate that way,” Royal says, adding she doesn’t anticipate sales to be affected too much by higher helium prices.

Party Pals Balloonery is located on Salzburg Road, just west of Euclid.