Airgas announces price increases

Airgas Inc. announced today that, effective Dec. 1, it will be raising prices on its gases and equipment rentals.

The Radnor-based distributor of industrial and specialty gases said that the move was the result of rising costs for raw materials, electricity and labor, which have then been passed along in higher costs from suppliers.

The increases are expected to range from 8 percent to 20 percent, depending on the gas. Tank rental rates are expected to be increasing by as much as 10 percent.

"As the economy recovers, costs continue to rise on many fronts," Airgas CEO Peter McCausland said in a release.    - Inquirer Staff