R134a price going up?

[Bonnewagon]

So I guess I better stock up while I still can. I also read that the EU has pushed hard for the new R1234YF but the auto makers that export don't want to equip different systems on the same car. The price is a huge factor too. But I'm guessing if they found a truly eco-friendly refrigerant the whole world would switch to it and the price would become moot. Plus I read that part of the R134a situation was the ore that the main ingredient comes from. Europe and the US didn't want to handle the messy work so they let China do it. Now with a trade war looming I guess the R134a might be a casualty. Until then I have too many cars with R134a to be caught sleeping again like with R12. I did use a propane based R12 equivalent called ES-12 in my Bonnewagon and I think it is great. The same company sells an R134a equivalent too so I guess the aftermarket already has a handle on the situation. Thanks for the responses. I know R134a hit $300 a tank several years ago and I loaded up when it went down to $100. I guess $150 is a steal these days.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Many people object to R12 substitutes and the propane/isobutane refrigerants and blends screaming about the flammability, ignoring the obvious....millions of vehicles are already carrying 10+ gallons of highly flammable gasoline in them...........

 

[Bonnewagon]

already carrying 10+ gallons of highly flammable gasoline

My feelings exactly. By the time your AC system is burning I think you would be in deep doo doo already. My system uses 2, maybe 3 cans of 6oz R-12 substitute that may or may not catch fire or explode. . I'm sure the gasoline in my carburetor bowl would be 10 times as volatile.