Airgas Increases Quarterly Dividend by 33 Percent.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced that the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend on the company's common stock to $0.06 per share from $0.045. The dividend will be payable June 30, 2005 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2005.

"The dividend increase reflects our confidence in our performance and the success of the BOC integration," said Airgas Chairman and CEO Peter McCausland.

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 the Company's confidence in its performance and the success of the BOC integration. 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 implement price increases; supply cost pressures; the Company's successful integration of its acquisitions, including the BOC acquisition; increased industry competition; an economic downturn; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; significant fluctuations in interest rates; political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and other factors described in the Company's reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2004 and Forms 10-Q dated June 30, 2004, September 30, 2004, and December 31, 2004, filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.