Praxair Electronics, a division of industrial gases producer Praxair Inc., announced Thursday a 15 percent price increase on tantalum products, citing rising raw material costs related to mining the metal.

In some circumstances, prices will reduced, Praxair said.

David Strauss, managing director of deposition materials, said Praxair Electronics will help customers hold the line on costs by expanding tantalum recycling programs and other productivity measures, such as long life targets.

Tantalum powder, a super-grade chemical, may be used in the manufacture of mobile phones, personal computers and electronics goods.

Praxair has already announced price and monthly fee increases on July 1. It said nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen and carbon dioxide prices will increase by between 10 percent and 20 percent.

Praxair said the increases are necessary to combat higher fuel prices and other costs and supply and demand imbalances.

Shares of Praxair traded at $84.15, up $1.17, in mid-afternoon trading. – Associated Press