Texas Petrochemicals Announces Price Increase on Polyisobutylene Products Line

HOUSTON, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Texas Petrochemicals Inc. (TPC),
(OTC: TXPI.PK), a Houston based petrochemical company that provides a diverse
range of quality products and services into performance, specialty and
intermediate manufacturing markets worldwide, today announced a price increase
on its polyisobutylene product line.
Effective September 1, 2008, TPC will raise polyisobutylene pricing by up
to 12 percent, depending on grade, and make adjustments to off-list pricing as
contracts allow. These changes are driven by the recent rapid increase in
isobutane feedstock and natural gas costs.
"The sustained high prices for hydrocarbon based raw materials continue to
adversely impact our business, requiring TPC to implement an increase at this
time," said Vice President and General Manager for Performance Products Sandra
Davis. "We are focused on maintaining a viable PIB business that can supply
our customers over the long term. TPC plans to begin commissioning its new
plant in August and expects to startup in the fourth quarter, effectively
doubling the capacity once on-line."
TPC first entered the PIB market in May 2000 with the startup of its
patented process to manufacture both highly reactive and enhanced PIB
products. Since that time, the company has more than doubled its original
capacity through multiple expansion projects.
TPC manufactures polyisobutylene at its Houston plant, making a complete
line of high-quality polyisobutylene products ranging in molecular weight from
350 to 3500. The company also manufactures highly reactive polyisobutylene
products ranging in molecular weight from 350 to 2300 which are valued for
production of fuel and lubrication oil dispersant products. TPC sells its
products worldwide directly to customers or through several break-bulk
distributors.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Texas Petrochemicals Inc. is a premier
chemical company with more than $2 billion in annual sales. Its products are
sold to a wide range of performance, specialty and intermediate markets,
including synthetic rubber, fuel additives, plastics and detergents. The
Company has manufacturing facilities in the industrial corridor adjacent to
the Houston Ship Channel, Port Neches and Baytown, Texas and operates a
product terminal in Lake Charles, Louisiana. For more information, visit the
Company's web site at http://www.txpetrochem.com.
Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain oral and written information that the company may make publicly
available from time to time may constitute forward-looking statements. Such
statements may relate to future operating results, existing and expected
competition, financing and refinancing sources and availability, and plans
related to strategic alternatives or other future expansion activities and
capital expenditures. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks
and uncertainties that may significantly affect the company's liquidity and
results in the future and, accordingly, actual results may differ materially
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those related to effects of
competition, leverage and debt service, financing and refinancing efforts,
litigation and governmental investigations, environmental laws and
regulations, general economic conditions and changes in laws or regulations.
Media Contact: Sara Cronin Investor Contact: Robert Whitlow
Phone: 713.475.5243 Phone: 713.627.7474

SOURCE Texas Petrochemicals Inc.

media, Sara Cronin, +1-713-475-5243, or investors, Robert Whitlow,
+1-713-627-7474, both of Texas Petrochemicals Inc.