Actually, I just came back from the Anaheim Expo (there are over 3,600 booths there), and yes, whey protein prices are going through the roof. Serious situation there. In the past month and upcoming month, many prices are going up. Champion, Natures Best, Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize, and others.
With China and other countries using more protein, exporting whey is getting profitable, and prices have gone up.