Nickel buyers will see supply headaches for some time to come—especially if supply rationing is in their future. Dwindling stockpiles of nickel and sustained strong demand from world stainless steelmakers could create a second year of supply shortages and create the need for delivery quotas on primary material next year to ensure supplies. Nickel prices have soared to extraordinary levels in excess of $20/lb already this year and probably won't slide lower anytime soon.