What’s up with R134 prices?

AFAIK, R134a has never been "outlawed".

If it was, you couldn't buy it easily, as is the case with R12.

...but the patent expired.
Yeah 134A hasnt been outlawed to purchase but I think they passed a law where new cars have to use the 1234y stuff moving forward. Ether way time to stock up on 134 stuff if you havent done so...