I've purchased it from Ingredients to Die For, and just checked to see what their prices were. Not only have they gone up quite a bit, but they also posted a message stating, "Alert: Worldwide shortage continues and is ongoing. Quantities will be limited to one item. We apologize for the inconvenience."
http://www.ingredientstodiefor.com/item/DL_Panthenol_100/173
Interesting.
I use it in my hair conditioner recipe in spite of the fact many esteemed members of the Chemist's Corner forum find it to be an unnecessary "fluff" ingredient. With the latest price increase, the frugal side of me says it may be time to take what they are saying to heart.