Prices on lithium batteries are on the rise, according to industry players cited by DigiTimes. Due to continuously excessive demand, Taiwan's lithium battery manufactures will increase prices in the second quarter. This wasn't entirely unforeseeable, however. It's reported that toward the end of 2009, fellow Japanese battery companies, such as Nippon Chemi-con and Panasonic, informed customers of price hikes.
Major Taiwanese outfits, including Gold Peak Industries, are now following suit as demand for lithium batteries continues to outpace supply. Exact numbers on the increase weren't provided, nor was there any mention of how this may affect the consumer market. That said, if you're looking to buy new batteries, you may want to make a purchase sooner rather than later.