The Western European industrial gas growth has been consistent over the last few years. On average the region has seen a growth of about five per cent to €11.5bn in 2005 but the industry leaders agree that some business segments have seen very diverse growth rates.
Healthcare, for example, is a sizeable business in the region and grows at an average rate of seven to nine per cent, says Klaus Schmieder, executive vice president and member of Air Liquide management board. On the other hand, if you look at the traditional businesses within the industrial customer area, the growth is more like two to three per cent.
However, a BOC source says it is difficult to predict growth because of the impact of rising energy prices in Europe, particularly in the food sector, adding that BOC has had to implement price increases to cover the escalating cost.
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