Airgas Announces Pricing Actions on Argon Effective July 1.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) announced that effective July 1, 2005, or as customer contracts or product supply agreements permit, its regional companies and operating units will increase prices on packaged and bulk argon products by 10 to 20 percent.

These pricing actions are being taken in light of higher product costs from gas suppliers, a tightening argon supply across the United States and continued high demand for argon among Airgas' customer base.

"Most argon production is tied directly to air separation units built to produce pipeline oxygen for steel and chemical customers," said Tom Thoman, vice president - gases for Airgas, Inc. "In recent months, as demand for steel has softened, gas producers report a sharp reduction in oxygen demand from their steel customers. This has forced gas producers to either curtail argon production or operate plants for argon only, which is a high-cost operating model, and implement price increases."

Thoman added that Airgas is incurring higher product costs as well as higher distribution costs as it transports product greater distances to meet the demands of its customers.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding, safety and related products. Its integrated network of about 900 locations includes branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding price increases for packaged and bulk argon products as customer contracts or product supply agreements permit. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement include: the Company's inability to successfully implement the price increases; an economic downturn; increased industry competition; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; and other factors described in the Company's reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2005 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.