The news stories I've read indicate the recovery of the manufacturing plants will not mean normal supplies until Q3 2012, and apparently other sources cite not only is the scarcity due to floods in Asia, but mention a shortage of raw materials
(probably metallurgic products from China). EMC hikes drive prices, blames Thai flood tragedy ? The Register
Q1 2012 prices are set to rise another 15%, however the official line is Q4 prices in 2011 did not rise. Therefore it has to be assumed the price hikes we've all seen
(of as much as 125%) are smaller scale wholesale and retail fuelled greed.