(Archived) Praxair Starts Up Hydrogen Plant in Indiana

DANBURY, Conn., October 6, 2006 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) has announced the startup of a new hydrogen plant in Whiting, Indiana. The new SMR (steam methane reformer), with a capacity of 20 million standard cubic feet per day, increases Praxair's existing hydrogen production capacity at Whiting and will supply hydrogen to BP and other customers in northern Indiana. BP will use the hydrogen in the production of ultra-low-sulfur gasoline and diesel fuels.

"Praxair's engineering team designed, engineered and constructed this project on time and on budget, reinforcing our leadership in providing industrial gas supply systems that meet or exceed customer expectations," said Kevin Foti, vice president, North Region, for Praxair's North American Industrial Gases business unit.

Praxair currently operates a hydrogen-production and pipeline-supply network in Whiting that serves a number of customers in northwest Indiana.

As a leading supplier of hydrogen worldwide, Praxair offers a complete portfolio of large-volume industrial gases, cylinder gases and specialized services to refinery customers. The company operates 34 steam methane reformers and seven major hydrogen pipeline systems that deliver more than 850 million standard cubic feet per day (1,250,000 cubic meters per hour) of hydrogen.

BP is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, serving about 13 million customers every day in more than 100 countries across six continents.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2005 sales of $7.7 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair is a recognized leader in the commercialization of new technologies that bring productivity and environmental benefits to a diverse group of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, electronics, energy, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.