The pricing and cost analysis helps in deriving and forecasting the actual cost of products or services over the forecast period. It considers all the cost components and provides a competitive edge during supplier negotiations. Moreover, the outcome helps procurement leaders understand detailed and fact-based cost drivers for the category.
In this Nitrogen procurement intelligence report, we have estimated the key cost components which include raw material / feedstock, labor, machinery & equipment, energy, storage & transportation, and others. Other costs can be further bifurcated into administrative fee, rent, maintenance & repair, depreciation, interest on loan, and tax.
Key factors that influence the prices of the products offered in the category include energy prices, transportation expenses, purity, technology utilized, and location. The prominent pricing model followed in the industry is cost-plus pricing wherein in which the cost to create a product, expressed as its unit cost, is increased by a certain percentage.
Depending on whether it is made on-site or purchased from a source (supplied in bulk), the price of liquid nitrogen in the US varies significantly. Liquid nitrogen may be produced on-site for as little as USD 0.12 per litre, making it a very cost-effective process. Depending on the location, LN2 prices range between USD 0.49 per litre to USD 1.77 per litre when bought in bulk from a source.
Every organization and its procurement team look forward to negotiating the best deal while procuring a set of products or subscribing to services. Rate benchmarking involves price/cost comparison of more than one set of products/services to analyze the most efficient combination that can potentially help the procurement team in getting the optimum rate.
The following are the prices of Nitrogen gas in the U.S.:
a) 0.1%-49% Nitrogen-UHP / Hydrogen core gas: Over USD 176.09 for size 200 cylinder
b) 0.1%-49% Nitrogen-UHP / Oxygen core gas: Over USD 186.89 for size 200 cylinder
c) Nitrogen <2 ppm moisture: USD 24.09 to USD 29.59 for size 255 cylinder and size 304.
d) Nitrogen (PP): Over USD 52.79 for size 257 cylinder
e) Nitrogen (UHP): Over USD 95.19 for size 257 cylinder
The following are the prices of Nitrogen gas in the U.K.:
a) Nitrogen technical grade: Over£ 63.95 for 10 litre cylinder
b) Nitrogen BIP: Over £ 133.39 for 47 litre cylinder
c) Nitrogen : Over £ 103.89 for 47 litre cylinder
To gain a comprehensive understanding of other aspects of rate benchmarking, please subscribe to our services and get access to the complete report.
Labor cost is one of the key components of the total incurred costs while offering a product or service. Therefore, an organization must decide on whether the focus category should be retained in-house or outsourced if the organization is providing its products or services at competitive prices. If the organization decides in favor of outsourcing, it must understand the difference in the salary structures of suppliers before selecting a supplier and formulating a negotiation strategy.
According to our research, Gas Plant Operator working with L’Air Liquide S.A. and Linde plc receives 10% - 15% higher base salary compared to the salary received by Gas Plant Operator working with BOC Limited and Southern Industrial Gas Sdn Bhd. However, the year-on-year increment rate in all these companies majorly depends on the Key Result Areas (KRAs).
Organizations may find it cumbersome to continuously track all the latest developments in their supplier landscape. Outsourcing the activities related to gathering intelligence allows organizations to focus on their core offerings. At this juncture, our newsletter service can help organizations stay updated with the latest developments and innovations and subsequently assist in preventing disruptions in the supply chain. We have identified the following developments within the Nitrogen category over the last two years:
In June 2023, AirFusion Ltd. introduced ‘NitroJet’, a novel transportable nitrogen supply unit intended for distant and transient industrial applications. ‘NitroJet’ prevents requirement for permanent nitrogen infrastructure, making it an adaptable and affordable option for off-grid operations and construction sites.
In January 2023, Linde plc announced buying stake in nexAir, LLC. The acquisition has broadened Linde's presence in a key and rapidly expanding region of the Southeast United States while enhancing its current packaged gas business. In addition, the acquisition supported company’s approach of growing network density and reinvesting in prospects that satisfy the investment criteria.
In April 2022, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. announced the acquisition of the industrial gas business unit of L’Air Liquide S.A., based out of Bahrain and U.A.E. The acquisition improved the sourcing and dependability of company’s products and added skilled and committed individuals who are enthusiastic about supporting regional clients. In addition, the company got supported in expanding its industrial gas business in Middle East, backing its growth plan for the region.
Component wise cost break down for better negotiation for the client, highlights the key cost drivers in the market with future price fluctuation for different materials (e.g.: steel, aluminum, etc.) used in the production process
Offering cost transparency for different products / services procured by the client. A typical report involves 2-3 case scenarios helping clients to select the best suited engagement with the supplier
Determining and forecasting salaries for specific skill set labor to make decision on outsourcing vs in-house.
A typical newsletter study by capturing latest information for specific suppliers related to: M&As, technological innovations, expansion, litigations, bankruptcy etc.