Radnor, PA-based gases distributor and supplier Airgas, Inc. announced that beginning Aug. 1, 2008, or as contracts permit, it will raise prices on gases and equipment. Prices will increase, on average, 20% for bulk and cylinder acetylene, argon, and hydrogen; 15% for bulk and cylinder oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and specialty gases; and 15% for cylinder and bulk equipment rental fees.
 
Prices will also increase for hardgoods and safety supplies, and delivery and other service charges.
 
Airgas attributed the increases to jumps in product costs from suppliers and rising operating costs at plants and distribution facilities, driven by raw material, energy, electricity and labor costs. Rising metal prices are also driving up costs for cylinders, …