Praxair increases gas prices up to 10 percent

DANBURY, Conn. (AP) — Praxair Distribution Inc. on Friday said it will increase its prices on industrial, medical and specialty gas containers as much as 10 percent as of Dec. 1.

The company said the hikes are being made to make up for "reduced plant and distribution efficiencies," and to enable the company to meet future demand as the economy recovers.

Cylinders sold through its direct locations and majority-owned joint ventures in the U.S. and Canada will see the increases on that date, or when customer contracts allow.

Prices for oxygen, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide and specialty gases will increase up to 10 percent, as will cylinder rentals and leases and facility fees.

Fuel gas prices will rise 8 percent. Equipment and consumables prices will rise 4 percent.

In some cases, price changes may be higher or lower, depending on product and supply, Praxair said.

Praxair shares closed Friday up 51 cents at $81.71.