Midland, MI - October 17, 2005

The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") is increasing prices for METHOCEL* cellulose ethers by 4 to 7 percent, depending on grade and market, effective December 1, 2005 or as contracts allow.

These price changes are necessary to partially offset increased raw material, transportation and energy costs.

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

For further information, visit Dow's website at www.methocel.com.

For Editorial Information:

Jennifer Sigsworth
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-1113