(Archived) Praxair Announces Price Increases For Bulk Gases In U.S. and Canada

DANBURY, Conn., January 9,  2003 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) today announced a price schedule increase of 7 percent for bulk oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen and a 10 percent increase for argon for U.S. direct and distributor customers. Increases will be implemented in accordance with specific contract terms and conditions. Monthly service charges will also be increased as contracts permit. Praxair also adjusted its U.S. price schedule to include charges for installation, removal, and maintenance costs for storage tanks. These price schedule increases are required to help offset rising insurance, production, and supply costs.

Price increases for bulk products in Canada became effective January 1, 2003, subject to specific contract terms and conditions.

In addition, prices for bulk and gaseous helium are being increased due to substantial costs incurred in the procurement of crude gas feedstock and refined liquid product.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2002 sales of $5.1 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.