Airgas raises prices

Industrial Distribution staff -- Industrial Distribution, 6/30/2008 2:33:00 PM

Airgas Inc.will increase prices on gases and equipment, effective Aug. 1 or as customer contracts permit.

On average, prices will increase by 20 percent for bulk and cylinder acetylene, argon and hydrogen; 15 percent for bulk and cylinder oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium and specialty gases and 15 percent for cylinder and bulk equipment rental fees.

Prices will also increase for hardgoods and safety supplies as well as for delivery and other service charges.

The company said the actions are in response to increases in product costs from suppliers and rising operating costs at Airgas plants and distribution facilities. Rising metal prices are also driving up costs for cylinders, bulk tanks, gas handling plants and equipment.

Airgas ranked fifth on Industrial Distribution's Big 50 list of distributors with 2007 sales of $4.02 billion.