BASF Catalysts Announces Catalyst Price Increases

ISELIN, NJ, January 3, 2007 — BASF Catalysts today announced an average price increase of 5% for catalysts serving the following market segments: petrochemicals, fine chemicals, oleochemicals and syngas.

The price increase will take effect on all orders shipped on or after January 15, 2007.

"These price increases are necessary due to the extraordinary jump in raw material, energy and transportation costs," said Dr. Wilfried Seyfert, Group Vice President, Process Technologies. "As we continue to maximize our productivity gains to minimize the negative impact of these cost jumps, we must recoup some of these increases, while continuing our commitment to development of new catalyst technologies and ongoing improvements in quality, service, and regulatory compliance."

BASF Catalysts' technologies enable customers to improve the productivity of their industrial processes. With a wide range of technologies available, BASF Catalysts serves a broad range of chemical market segments, including petrochemicals, oleochemicals and fine chemicals.

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 system 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. BASF has over 95,000 employees and posted sales of more than €42.7 billion (approximately $50.4 billion) in 2005. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.