BASF to hike prices

MOUNT OLIVE, N.J. (March 4)—BASF Corp. will hike prices on its toluene diisocyanate, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and polyol grades April 1. BASF's TDI price will be raised by 10 cents per pound, MDI by 8 cents a pound and polyols by 6 cents per pound, the company said. The products have applications in the home furnishings, construction, automotive and other industries, the company said. BASF is taking the action because of rising margins caused by significant and ongoing increases in raw material, energy and transportation costs over the last six months, according to Lawrence A. Berkowski, director of the firm's Urethane Chemicals sector.