Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP Increases Argon Prices.

HOUSTON -- Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP, the subsidiary of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. responsible for the sale of bulk gases to Air Liquide's industrial customers in the U.S., is increasing prices for argon in liquid and gaseous form by as much as 20% consistent with the terms and conditions of its customer supply agreements. The new prices will be effective July 1, 2005. Increases may be higher in certain instances where previous discounts are being eliminated and the existing National Surcharge revised.

According to Pascal Vinet, president of Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP, "Many of our primary argon sources are sold out. As a result, we are operating several higher cost argon generation sources and transporting argon from greater distances to supply our customers' requirements. This is compounded by the fact that diesel prices have risen sharply again in 2005. The increase is therefore necessary to offset these escalating costs."

Air Liquide Industrial in the U.S. provides gases and related services to a diverse base of customers including those in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, metals and automotive industries.

Present in more than 70 countries, Air Liquide is the world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are in line with Air Liquide's commitment to sustainable development, help to protect life and enable our customers to manufacture many indispensable everyday products. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has nearly 36,000 employees. The Group has successfully developed a long-term relationship with its shareholders built on confidence and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate governance. Since the publication of its first consolidated financial statements in 1971, Air Liquide has posted strong and steady earnings growth. Sales in 2004 totaled 9,376 million euros, of which sales outside France accounted almost 80%. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and EuroStoxx 50 indices (ISIN code FR 0000120073).