BASF to Increase Prices Across All Product Lines in North America

Cites Unparalleled Increases in Feedstock, Energy Prices, No Sign of Relief 


FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 3  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BASF today announced that it is increasing prices for its entire product line in North America in order to address the record increases in feedstock and energy costs that it continues to experience in North America.

"We've taken significant actions over the last few years to drive down costs under our control in order to mitigate the effects of rising feedstock and energy prices during that period," said Klaus Peter Loebbe, BASF Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In light of the continuing and unparalleled increases, these price actions are necessary to maintain a healthy business and to continue to meet our customers' supply requirements."

Although the effects of recent hurricanes have exacerbated raw material and energy costs, continuing imbalance in supply and demand for petroleum based materials, especially natural gas, is believed to be the major driver of the present situation in North America. Since 2003, prices for crude oil and natural gas have increased roughly threefold and fivefold, respectively, with no signs of moving back down. These increases have put enormous pressure on margins in the chemical industry where pricing has not kept pace.

"Energy conservation alone cannot adequately address the widening gap between available supply and the market demand for petroleum feed stocks, especially for natural gas, a key raw material for the chemical industry," said Joe Breunig, President for BASF's Chemicals, Plastics and Coatings businesses in North America. "A comprehensive approach to energy management that includes development can, however, help to stabilize feedstock and energy pricing and strengthen the chemical industry in the region."

BASF is communicating directly with its customers about these price actions.

BASF -- The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.(R)

BASF Corporation, headquartered in New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany.  We employ about 10,000 people in North America and had sales of approximately $11 billion in 2004.  For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit http://www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF's intelligent solutions and high- value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than $50 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), Paris (BA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com/. 

DATASOURCE: BASF Corporation



CONTACT:  Robert Guenther of BASF, [phone],





Web site:  http://www.basf.com/usa

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