Air Products to raise prices on liquid and bulk industrial gases to counter low steel prices, higher costs
Air Products & Chemicals Inc. said Friday it is raising the prices of its liquid and bulk industrial gas products effective July 1, as it combats low operating rates in the steel market and higher operational and delivery costs. Costs are being driven up by regional supply and demand imbalances, the company said in a statement. The increases will add up to 20% to the price of liquid and bulk helium, which is used in the aerospace sector. The company will charge up to 15% more for liquid argon and microbulk, which is used in welding, and up to 10% more for liquid and bulk hydrogen, which is used in rocket systems. Air Products shares were up 0.8% in Friday trade, but are down 3.9% in 2018, while the S&P 500 has gained 3.3%.