The semiconductor industry is experiencing a critical shortage of ultra-high-purity carbon dioxide (CO₂), essential for supercritical cleaning processes, according to Citrini analyst Jukan. The supply constraints have led to a 20% increase in CO₂ prices since the start of the year. This shortage is attributed to decreased production at refineries and petrochemical plants, which has significantly reduced the availability of raw-material CO₂. Typically, semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers maintain about one month's worth of CO₂ inventory, but current levels have reportedly dropped below this threshold. The industry is now facing urgent challenges in securing sufficient CO₂ supplies to maintain production levels, raising concerns about potential impacts on semiconductor manufacturing operations.