**[Citrini Analyst: High-Purity CO2 for Supercritical Semiconductor Cleaning Faces Supply Shortage, Prices Up Approximately 20% Since Early Year]** Deep Tide TechFlow reports that on June 28, Citrini analyst Jukan posted on the X platform, indicating that the procurement of high-purity carbon dioxide (CO2) used in advanced semiconductor processes has shown warning signs. The issue stems from reduced operating rates at refineries and petrochemical plants, leading to a significant drop in raw CO2 production. Semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers typically hold about two weeks of inventory each, totaling approximately one month's supply, but the industry now believes inventory levels have fallen below one month. According to industry information, Samsung Electronics uses approximately 1,800 to 2,000 tons of high-purity CO2 per month, while SK Hynix uses about 600 to 700 tons monthly. The report states that neither company has experienced production disruptions yet, but inventory levels continue to shrink, prompting urgent procurement efforts. Even with price increases, securing additional supply remains challenging. A gas industry insider noted that without raw materials, it is physically impossible to meet customer demand or increase production in the short term. High-purity CO2 is extensively used in supercritical semiconductor cleaning processes. The report highlights that CO2 raw materials are byproducts of processes such as refining, petrochemical production, and hydrogen manufacturing. The instability in crude oil supply and demand caused by geopolitical tensions in the U.S., Iran, and the Middle East, along with the resulting decline in domestic petrochemical plant operating rates, are considered the primary factors contributing to the CO2 raw material shortage. Liquefied CO2 prices have reportedly risen by approximately 20% since the beginning of the year, and the industry believes the supply shortage is highly likely to persist until the end of the year. The report mentions major domestic suppliers of high-purity CO2, including Taekyung Chemical, Sundo Chemical, Dongkwang Chemical, and SK Air Plus, with Taekyung Chemical regarded as the leading enterprise.