NFG National Fuel Gas Co

The Board of Directors of National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) ("National Fuel" or "Company") today approved a 3.57 percent increase in the dividend on the Company's common stock, raising the quarterly rate from 28 cents per share as approved in June 2004 to 29 cents per share, for an annual rate of $1.16 per share. This action marks the 103rd year of uninterrupted dividend payments and the 35th consecutive year that National Fuel has increased its dividend. Philip C. Ackerman, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel, said, "We are pleased that our Board of Directors has continued our remarkable record of dividend increases. This action clearly demonstrates our commitment to provide value to our shareholders, and further reflects National Fuel's strong capital position, liquidity and fundamental soundness." The dividend is payable July 15, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 30, 2005. The Company has approximately 83.5 million shares of common stock outstanding. It has no preferred stock outstanding. National Fuel is an integrated energy company with $4.0 billion in assets comprising six principal operating segments: Utility, Pipeline and Storage, Exploration and Production, International, Energy Marketing and Timber. Additional information about National Fuel is available at http://www.nationalfuelgas.com or through its investor information service at 1-800-334-2188.