Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.34

              THIRD AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT
                                   AGREEMENT

                  THIS THIRD AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT
AGREEMENT (this "AMENDMENT") is dated as of the 30th day of June, 2003 (the
"THIRD AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE DATE"), among VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC., a West
Virginia corporation (the "COMPANY"), VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED, a
Pennsylvania corporation ("VNGI"), VALLEY NATIONAL GASES DELAWARE, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("VNGDI"), BANK ONE, NA, a national banking association
having its main office in Chicago, Illinois (successor by merger with Bank One,
Indiana, National Association) ("BANK ONE"), LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
a national banking association, NATIONAL CITY BANK, a national banking
association, THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, a national banking association,
WESBANCO BANK, INC., SKY BANK, and FIFTH THIRD BANK (collectively, the
"LENDERS"), and Bank One, as administrative and collateral agent (the "AGENT")
for the Lenders from time to time parties to that certain Second Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2000, as amended by the Amendment
to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 28, 2002, and by the
Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October
28, 2002 (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT").

                                     Recital

                  The Company has requested the Lenders to amend the Credit
Agreement as provided in this Amendment. Subject to the terms and conditions
stated in this Amendment, the Lenders are willing to amend the Credit Agreement
as provided in this Amendment.

                                    Amendment

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein, and each act performed and to be performed hereunder, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                  1.       Definitions. All terms used in this Amendment that
are defined in the Credit Agreement and that are not otherwise defined in this
Amendment shall have the same meanings in this Amendment as are ascribed to such
terms in the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment.

                  2.       Amendments to Credit Agreement. Effective as of the
Third Amendment Effective Date, the Credit Agreement is amended as follows:

         (a)      New Definitions. Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is
         amended by the addition of the following new definitions:

<PAGE>

                           "Third Amendment" means the Third Amendment to Second
                           Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of the
                           Third Amendment Effective Date, among the Credit
                           Parties, the Lenders, and the Agents.

                           "Third Amendment Effective Date" means June 30, 2003.

         (b)      Amended Definitions. The following definitions set forth in
         Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement are amended and restated in their
         respective entireties to read as follows:

                           "Applicable LOC Fee Percentage" means the rate per
                           annum at which the commission due on each Letter of
                           Credit will be calculated, which rate shall be
                           determined by reference to the Ratio of Total Funded
                           Debt to EBITDA in accordance with the following
                           table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Ratio of
Total Funded Debt to EBITDA                         Applicable LOC Fee Percentage
---------------------------                         -----------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>
      3.50 or above                                             2.75%
       3.00 to 3.49                                            2.375%
       2.50 to 2.99                                            2.125%
       2.00 to 2.49                                             1.75%
         Below 2.00                                             1.50%
</TABLE>

                           The Applicable LOC Fee Percentage shall be determined
                           on the Third Amendment Effective Date on the basis of
                           the Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA for the
                           Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries in
                           effect on the Third Amendment Effective Date (which
                           the Company and the Lenders agree for purposes of the
                           Applicable LOC Fee Percentage, the Applicable Spread
                           and the Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Percentage
                           is greater than 3.50) and shall be redetermined,
                           based on the Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA as
                           of the close of each fiscal quarter of the Company
                           ending after June 30, 2003, concurrently with each
                           adjustment to the "Ratio of Total Funded Debt to
                           EBITDA" (as provided in the definition of Ratio of
                           Total Funded Debt to EBITDA in this Agreement), with
                           such redetermined Applicable LOC Fee Percentage to be
                           effective as and for the period provided in the
                           definition of "Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA."

                           "Applicable Spread" means the percentage per annum to
                           be taken into account in determining any LIBOR-based
                           Rate and any Prime-based Rate as provided in this
                           Agreement, which number shall be determined by
                           reference to the Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA
                           in accordance with the following table:

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratio of Total Funded            If Determining a           If Determining a
   Debt to EBITDA                Prime-based Rate           LIBOR-based Rate
---------------------            ----------------           ----------------
<S>                              <C>                        <C>
    3.50 or above                     0.875%                      2.75%
    3.00 to 3.49                      0.625%                     2.375%
    2.50 to 2.99                      0.375%                     2.125%
    2.00 to 2.49                          0%                      1.75%
   less than 2.00                         0%                      1.50%
</TABLE>

                           The Applicable Spread shall be determined on the
                           Third Amendment Effective Date on the basis of the
                           Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA for the Credit
                           Parties and their respective Subsidiaries in effect
                           on the Third Amendment Effective Date, as provided in
                           the definition of "Applicable LOC Fee Percentage" in
                           this Agreement, and shall be redetermined, based on
                           the Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA as of the
                           close of each fiscal quarter of the Company ending
                           after June 30, 2003, concurrently with each
                           adjustment to the "Ratio of Total Funded Debt to
                           EBITDA" (as provided in the definition of Ratio of
                           Total Funded Debt to EBITDA in this Agreement), with
                           such redetermined Applicable Spread be effective as
                           and for the period provided in the definition of
                           "Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA."

                           "Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Percentage" means
                           the percentage per annum determined by reference to
                           the Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA in
                           accordance with the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Ratio of
Total Funded Debt to EBITDA                Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Percentage
---------------------------                -------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>
      3.50 or above                                        0.50%
       3.00 to 3.49                                       0.375%
       2.50 to 2.99                                       0.375%
       2.00 to 2.49                                        0.35%
         Below 2.00                                        0.30%
</TABLE>

                           The Applicable Unused Commitment Fee Percentage shall
                           be determined on the Third Amendment Effective Date
                           on the basis of the Ratio of Total Funded Debt to
                           EBITDA in effect on the Third Amendment Effective
                           Date, as provided in the definition of "Applicable
                           LOC Fee Percentage" in this Agreement, and shall be
                           redetermined, based on the Ratio of Total Funded Debt
                           to EBITDA as of the close of each fiscal quarter of
                           the Company ending after June 30, 2003, concurrently
                           with each adjustment to the "Ratio of Total Funded
                           Debt to EBITDA" (as provided in the definition of
                           Ratio of Total Funded Debt to EBITDA in this
                           Agreement), with such redetermined Applicable Unused
                           Commitment Fee Percentage to be effective as and for
                           the period provided in the definition of "Ratio of
                           Total Funded Debt to EBITDA."

<PAGE>

                           "EBITDA" means, with respect to the Credit Parties
                           and their respective Subsidiaries for any period, the
                           amount of Consolidated Net Income, plus, without
                           duplication and to the extent deducted in determining
                           the amount of Consolidated Net Income, the sum of (i)
                           interest expense, (ii) income tax expense, (iii)
                           depreciation, (iv) amortization expense (all
                           determined in accordance with GAAP), (v) for the
                           calendar quarter ending March 31, 2003, and any
                           period which includes such calendar quarter,
                           extraordinary charges not in excess of $577,000.00
                           identified on Exhibit B attached hereto as taken
                           during the calendar quarter ending March 31, 2003,
                           and (vi) for the calendar quarter ending June 30,
                           2003, and any period which includes such calendar
                           quarter, extraordinary charges not in excess of
                           $4,165,000.00 identified on Exhibit B attached hereto
                           as taken during the calendar quarter ending June,
                           2003.

                           For purposes of determining EBITDA for the Credit
                           Parties and their respective Subsidiaries on a pro
                           forma basis to determine the effect of a New
                           Acquisition on compliance with the covenants in
                           subsections 5.01(g) of this Agreement (excluding the
                           covenant in subsection 5.01(g)(2) of this Agreement),
                           to determine whether the Qualification Conditions to
                           any New Acquisition have been satisfied, and to
                           determine the Applicable Spread, the Applicable LOC
                           Fee Percentage and the Applicable Unused Commitment
                           Fee Percentage for any period of twelve (12) months
                           or four fiscal quarters of the Company that ends
                           ("PERIOD ENDING DATE"): (i) on any New Acquisition
                           Closing Date, EBITDA for such period will be deemed
                           to include the Additional EBITDA Amount calculated
                           with respect to the Related Business Entity acquired
                           (or assumed to be acquired) on such New Acquisition
                           Closing Date; and (ii) within one year after any New
                           Acquisition Closing Date, EBITDA for such period will
                           be deemed to include an amount equal to (A) the
                           Additional EBITDA Amount calculated with respect to
                           the Related Business Entity acquired on such New
                           Acquisition Closing Date, minus (B) 1/12 of such
                           Additional EBITDA Amount for each full calendar month
                           that has elapsed between such New Acquisition Closing
                           Date and the Period Ending Date, minus (c) 1/30 of
                           such Additional EBITDA Amount for each day of any
                           partial calendar month that has elapsed between such
                           New Acquisition Closing Date and the Period Ending
                           Date.

                           "Maximum Availability" means $67,500,000.00 or such
                           greater amount as may be established pursuant to
                           Section 2.02(g) of this

<PAGE>

                           Agreement. If an Event of Default or an Unmatured
                           Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and
                           the Agent shall have notified the Company of the
                           election of the Required Lenders to take any action
                           specified in Section 7.02 of this Agreement, the
                           Maximum Availability shall be automatically reduced
                           to zero (0) dollars without any action on the part of
                           or the giving of any additional notice to the Company
                           by the Lenders or the Agent.

                  (c)      Amendment of Section 2.02 (b). The first sentence of
                  Section 2.02 (b) of the Credit Agreement is amended and
                  restated in its entirety to read as follows: "The obligation
                  of the Company to repay the Revolving Loans shall be evidenced
                  by promissory notes executed by the Company to each of the
                  Revolver Lenders in the form of Exhibit A attached to the
                  Third Amendment (as the same may be amended, modified,
                  extended, renewed, supplemented, replaced and/or restated from
                  time to time and at any time, the "REVOLVING NOTES").

                  (d)      Amendment of Section 5.01(g)(2). Section 5.01(g)(2)
                  of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its
                  entirety to read as follows:

                                    (2)      Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. As of
                                    the close of each fiscal quarter of the
                                    Company ending on or after the Third
                                    Amendment Effective Date, the Credit Parties
                                    and their respective Subsidiaries, for the
                                    period of the four consecutive fiscal
                                    quarters which end on such close, shall have
                                    a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less
                                    than: (i) 1.10:1 through June 29, 2004, and
                                    (ii) 1.15:1 on June 30, 2004, and
                                    thereafter.

                  (e)      Amendment of Section 5.01(g)(3). Section 5.01(g)(3)
                  of the Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its
                  entirety to read as follows:

                                    (3)      Ratio of Total Funded Debt to
                                    EBITDA. As of the close of each fiscal
                                    quarter of the Company ending on or after
                                    the Third Amendment Effective Date, the
                                    Credit Parties and their respective
                                    Subsidiaries, for the period of the four
                                    consecutive fiscal quarters which end on
                                    such close, shall have a Ratio of Total
                                    Funded Debt to EBITDA of not greater than
                                    (i) 3.75:1 through March 30, 2004, (ii)
                                    3.50:1 on March 31, 2004, through June 29,
                                    2004, (iii) 3.25:1 on June 30, 2004, through
                                    September 29, 2004, (iv) 3.00:1 on September
                                    30, 2004, through December 30, 2004, and (v)
                                    2.75:1 on and after December 31, 2004.

                  (f)      Amendment of Section 5.02 (e). Section 5.02 (e) of
                  the Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety
                  to read as follows:

<PAGE>

                  (e)      Mergers, Consolidations, Sales, Acquisition or
                  Formation of Subsidiaries. Neither the Credit Parties nor any
                  of their respective Subsidiaries nor any Guarantor shall (i)
                  be a party to any consolidation or to any merger or purchase
                  the capital stock of or otherwise acquire any equity interest
                  in any other business entity other than (A) with the approval
                  of the Agent, New Acquisitions (with respect to the Company
                  only) made after the Third Amendment Effective Date and on or
                  prior to June 30, 2004, provided that the purchase price in
                  respect of any such New Acquisition is not in excess of
                  $300,000.00, and provided further that the aggregate purchase
                  prices of all New Acquisitions during such period is not in
                  excess of $600,000.00, and (B) New Acquisitions (with respect
                  to the Company only) made after June 30, 2004, (ii) acquire
                  any material part of the assets of any other business entity
                  other than New Acquisitions (with respect to the Company only)
                  permitted by the preceding clause (i), except in the ordinary
                  course of business and excepting Short-Term Real Estate Sales,
                  or (iii) sell, transfer, convey or lease all or any material
                  part of its assets, except in the ordinary course of business,
                  or sell or assign with or without recourse any receivables.
                  VNGI shall not cause to be created or otherwise acquire any
                  Subsidiary other than VNGDI without the prior written consent
                  of the Agent and the Required Lenders. VNGDI shall not cause
                  to be created or otherwise acquire any Subsidiary other than
                  the Company without the prior written consent of the Agent and
                  the Required Lenders. The Company shall not cause to be
                  created or otherwise acquire any Subsidiary without the prior
                  written consent of the Agent and the Required Lenders, which
                  consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Without limiting
                  the generality of the foregoing sentence, the Company shall
                  not consummate any New Acquisition which would cause a new
                  Subsidiary of the Company to exist without the prior written
                  consent of the Agent and the Required Lenders, and if such
                  consent is given, concurrently with or within sixty (60) days
                  following consummation of such New Acquisition: (i) the
                  Company shall amend the Company Pledge Agreement to include a
                  pledge of and security interest and Lien in and to all of the
                  capital stock of such Subsidiary as provided in Section
                  4.01(f) of this Agreement, and deliver to the Agent, for the
                  benefit of the Lenders and the Agent, all of the original
                  stock certificates of such Subsidiary, together with executed
                  blank stock powers therefor; and (ii) such Subsidiary shall
                  become a Guarantor and shall execute and deliver in favor of
                  the Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Agent, a
                  Subsidiary Guaranty and Subsidiary Security Agreement as
                  provided in Section 4.01(f) of this Agreement. No Subsidiary
                  of the Company shall cause to be

<PAGE>

                  created or otherwise acquire any Subsidiary without the prior
                  written consent of the Agent and the Required Lenders.

                  3.       Representations and Warranties. The Credit Parties
jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Lenders that:

         (a)      (i) The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment
         by the Credit Parties have been duly authorized by all necessary
         corporate action, and do not and will not violate any provision of any
         law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, or writ presently
         in effect applying to the Credit Parties, the articles of incorporation
         or by-laws of any of the Credit Parties, or result in a breach of or
         constitute a default under any material agreement, lease or instrument
         to which any of the Credit Parties is a party or by which any of the
         Credit Parties or any of the properties of any of the Credit Parties
         may be bound or affected; (ii) no authorization, consent, approval,
         license, exemption or filing of a registration with any court or
         governmental department, agency or instrumentality or any other Person
         is or will be necessary for the valid execution, delivery or
         performance by any of the Credit Parties of this Amendment; and (iii)
         this Amendment is the legal, valid and binding obligation of each of
         the Credit Parties, as a signatory thereto, and is enforceable against
         each of the Credit Parties in accordance with its terms.

         (b)      After giving effect to the amendments contained in this
         Amendment, the representations and warranties contained in Section 3 of
         the Credit Agreement are true and correct with the same force and
         effect as if made on and as of the date of execution of this Amendment,
         except that the reference to the Financial Statements in Section
         3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement shall be to the most recent financial
         statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries provided to the Bank
         prior to the date hereof.

         (c)      After giving effect to the amendments contained in this
         Amendment, no Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is
         continuing or will exist under the Credit Agreement.

                  4.       Conditions. The obligation of the Lenders and the
Agent to perform this Amendment shall be subject to full satisfaction of the
following conditions precedent:

         (a)      The Credit Parties shall have delivered to the Agent copies of
         such corporate documents and resolutions of the Credit Parties as the
         Agent may request evidencing necessary action by the Credit Parties to
         obtain necessary authorization for the execution and performance of
         this Amendment and all other agreements or documents delivered pursuant
         hereto as the Agent may request, each certified as of the date of
         execution of this Amendment.

         (b)      This Amendment shall have been duly executed by each of the
         Credit Parties and the Required Lenders and delivered to the Agent.

         (c)      The Company shall have executed and delivered to the Agent
         Revolving Notes payable to each of the Revolver Lenders in form and
         substance the same as Exhibit A to this Amendment.

<PAGE>

         (d)      The Company shall have paid to the Agent, for the account of
         the Lenders, a waiver fee in the amount of $80,250.00.

         (d)      The Company shall have paid all costs and expenses incurred by
         the Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation and closing
         of this Amendment and the other documents and agreements delivered
         pursuant hereto, including the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket
         expenses of Baker & Daniels, special counsel to the Agent.

         (e)      The Agent shall have received such additional agreements,
         documents and certifications, as may be reasonably requested by the
         Required Lenders.

                  5.       Guarantor Consent/Affirmation. VNGI and VNDGI, in
their respective capacities as a Guarantor under the Guaranties, by their
execution of this Amendment, expressly consent to the execution, delivery and
performance by the Company and the Agent of this Amendment, and agree that
neither the provisions of this Amendment nor any action taken or not taken in
accordance with the terms of this Amendment shall constitute a termination,
extinguishment, release or discharge of any of their respective guaranty
obligations or provide a defense, set off, or counter claim to any of them with
respect to any of their respective guaranty obligations under any of the
Guaranties or other Loan Documents. VNGI and VNDGI each affirms to the Lenders
and the Agent that its Guaranty remains in full force and effect and is its
valid and binding obligation.

                  6.       Binding on Successors and Assigns. All of the terms
and provisions of this Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the Credit Parties, the Lenders, the Agent, and their respective successors
and assigns and legal representatives.

                  7.       Governing Law/Entire Agreement/Survival. This
Amendment is a contract made under, and shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Indiana applicable to contracts made
and to be performed entirely within such state and without giving effect to the
choice or conflicts of laws principles of any jurisdiction. This Amendment
constitutes and expresses the entire understanding between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, commitments, inducements or conditions, whether expressed or
implied, oral or written. All covenants, agreements, undertakings,
representations and warranties made in this Amendment shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Amendment, and shall not be affected by any
investigation made by any person. The Credit Agreement, as amended hereby,
remains in full force and effect in accordance with its terms and provisions.

                  8.       Further Agreements and Acknowledgments. The Credit
Parties hereby further acknowledge and agree that:

         (a)      Neither the provisions of this Amendment nor any actions taken
         or not taken pursuant to or in reliance upon the terms of this
         Amendment shall constitute a novation of any of the Loan Documents, all
         of which remain in full force and effect in accordance with their
         respective terms, as amended to date; and

<PAGE>

         (b)      Neither this Amendment, nor any action taken by the Lenders or
         the Agent pursuant to this Amendment, shall impair, prejudice, or in
         any other manner affect the rights of the Lenders with respect to any
         Collateral or other security which now or hereafter secures payment or
         performance of the Obligations or any part thereof, or establish or be
         deemed to establish any precedent or course of dealing with respect to
         any matter.

                  9.       Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed, by
original or facsimile signatures, in two or more counterparts, each of which
shall constitute an original, but all of which shall constitute one agreement.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Credit Parties, the Required Lenders
and the Agent have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by
their respective authorized signatories as of the 30th day of June, 2003.

                                    VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC.,
                                    a West Virginia corporation

                                    By:   /s/ Robert D. Scherich
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                              Robert D. Scherich, CFO

                                    VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED
                                    a Pennsylvania corporation

                                    By:   /s/ Robert D. Scherich
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                              Robert D. Scherich, CFO

<PAGE>

                                    VALLEY NATIONAL GASES DELAWARE,
                                    INC., a Delaware corporation

                                    By:   /s/ Robert D. Scherich
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                              Robert D. Scherich, CFO

<PAGE>

                                    BANK ONE, NA, as Lender and as Agent

                                    By:   /s/ Robert E. McElwain
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                    Printed:  Robert E. McElwain
                                    Title:    First Vice President

<PAGE>

                                    LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                    By:      /s/ Margaret C. Dierkes
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                    Printed: Margaret C. Dierkes

                                    Title:   Assistant Vice President

<PAGE>

                                    NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Lender and as
                                    Syndication Agent

                                    By:      /s/ R E Slater
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                    Printed: Reese Slater

                                    Title:   Vice President

<PAGE>

                                    THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, as
                                    Lender and as Documentation Agent

                                    By:      /s/ Mark A. Scurci
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                    Printed: Mark A. Scurci

                                    Title:   Vice President

<PAGE>

                                    WESBANCO BANK, INC.

                                    By:  /s/ David L. Pell
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                    Printed: David L. Pell

                                    Title:   Senior Vice President

<PAGE>

                                    SKY BANK

                                    By:      /s/ Gregory J. Agresta
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                    Printed:     Gregory J. Agresta

                                    Title:       Senior  Vice President

<PAGE>

                                    FIFTH THIRD BANK

                                    By:     /s/ C. S. Helmeci
                                       -----------------------------------------

                                    Printed:    Christopher S. Helmeci

                                    Title:      Vice President<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.35

         THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), made as of the 1st day of June, 2003, by
and among MICHAEL L. TYLER ("Tyler") whose address is 4271 Muirfield Circle,
Presto, PA 15142 Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601-4027, VALLEY NATIONAL GASES,
INC., a West Virginia corporation ("Valley") whose address is 67-43rd Street,
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003, VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED, a
Pennsylvania corporation ("VNGI") whose address is 1640 Jefferson Avenue,
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301, and VALLEY NATIONAL GASES DELAWARE, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("VNGD"), 300 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1704, Wilmington
Delaware 19801.

                  WHEREAS, Tyler is President and Chief Executive Officer as
well as Director of Valley which conducts business and operations, including
especially but not limited to the sale and distribution of welding supply
products, industrial and specialty gases, medical gases, liquid propane,
robotics, fire safety equipment as well as products and services related thereto
("BUSINESS"); and

                  WHEREAS, Tyler is President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director of VNGI; and

                  WHEREAS, VNGI is the sole owner and parent corporation of
VNGD, and Valley is a wholly owned subsidiary of VNGD; and

                  WHEREAS, Tyler has resigned as officer and director of VNGI as
well as officer and director of Valley and VNGD, effective as of June 1, 2003;
and

                  WHEREAS, notwithstanding the termination of Tyler's employment
with Valley and his resignations as aforesaid, and independent thereof, it is
the desire of Tyler, Valley, VNGI and VNGD to enter into this Agreement, wherein
Tyler agrees to furnish covenants to Valley, VNGI and VNGD as well as to enter
into other agreements set forth herein for and in consideration of Valley's,
VNGI's, and VNGD's covenants and agreements hereunder.

                  WITNESSETH: That for and in consideration of the payments,
covenants and agreements hereinafter contained and otherwise in the Agreement,
Tyler, Valley, VNGI, and VNGD agree as follows:

                                       1

<PAGE>

                  1.       Incorporation of Recitation ("WHEREAS") Clauses. The
recitations and defined terms set forth hereinabove are incorporated herein by
reference and made part of this Agreement.

                  2.       Consideration to Tyler. As consideration for the
"Agreements of Tyler" under Paragraph 3.and as well for the "General Release and
Waiver" under Paragraph 5.Valley, VNGI and/or VNGD, jointly and severally, shall
pay to Tyler the sum of Eighty-two Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-nine Dollars and
Ninety-four Cents ($82,499.94) in nine (9) equal installments of Nine Thousand
One Hundred Sixty-six Dollars and Sixty-six Cents ($9,166.66), commencing on the
15th day of June, 2003, on the 30th day of June, 2003 and continuing on the 15th
and 30th day of July, August and September thereafter, with the last installment
due and payable on the 15th day of October, 2003.

                  3.       Agreements of Tyler. Tyler expressly covenants and
agrees and with Valley as follows:

                           (a)      Effect of Termination. Up to date of
termination of Tyler's employment with Valley on the 1st day of June 2003, Tyler
will receive his Compensation as provided in the Employment ("Employment
Agreement") dated as of October 15, 2002 by and between Valley and Tyler; and
after termination of Tyler's employment on June 1, 2003, all Compensation,
whether Salary, Incentive, Stock Options (except for the Options subject of
Section 4. hereinafter), Benefits (including but not limited to unused vacation
and holidays addressed in Section 3 (d) (ii) of the Employment Agreement ) or
otherwise shall terminate and Tyler shall have no further right or claim of
interest thereto.

                           (b)      Elimination of COBRA Payments. Valley's
obligation to pay Tyler COBRA expenses for his health insurance following the
twelve (12) month period after date of termination, as set forth in Section 7.
(g) (i) of the Employment Agreement is eliminated and shall be void and of no
effect.

                           (c)      Elimination of Outplacement Services.
Valley's obligation to retain and provide Outplacement Services to Tyler for a
period of the twelve (12) month period after date of termination, as set forth
in Section 7. (g) (ii) of the Employment Agreement is eliminated and shall be
void and of no effect.

                           (d)      Employee Covenants Remain In Effect. Tyler's
Covenants under Section 8. of the Employment Agreement and all subsections
thereof shall remain in full force

                                       2

<PAGE>

and effect as set forth in the Employment Agreement for and in consideration of
Valley's payments to Tyler as provided for under Section 8. (c) (ii).

                  4.       VNGI Stock Options. As additional material
consideration for this Agreement, Tyler and VNGI agree that the termination of
Tyler's employment shall be a termination as provided for in paragraph 9(b)(ii)
of the Amendment to Valley National Gases Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan
(Effective as of August 1, 2000) ("Amendment") for a reason other than voluntary
termination. The Committee, as provided for and defined in Paragraph 4. Of the
Valley National Gases Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan ("Plan"), has or will
confirm such termination status with respect to the Stock Options granted Tyler
under Section 3. (c) (i) of the Employment Agreement. These options will vest on
October 15, 2005, with the exercise period ending June 1, 2006.

                  5.       General Release and Waiver.

                           (a)      Tyler for himself, his heirs, beneficiaries,
assigns or executors does hereby release and forever discharge Valley, VNGI
and/or VNGD their successors and assigns, as well as any and all of their
directors, officers, agents, representatives and employees from any and all
claims, suits, demands, causes of action, contracts, covenants, obligations,
debts, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, liabilities of whatever kind or nature,
in law or equity, whether arising by tort, contract, statute or otherwise,
whether now known or unknown, vested or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated,
suspected or unsuspected, concealed or hidden, which may exist, have existed or
do exist, at any time up to and including the later date of June 1, 2003, or the
Effective Date, as defined hereinafter. Specifically, but not by way of
limitation, Tyler hereby waives and releases all claims of any kind, which
relate in any way to Tyler's employment with Valley, VNGI and/or VNGD or the
termination of that employment, except only (1) claims arising out of the
performance of this Agreement; (2) Tyler's rights under Valley's, VNGI's and/or
VNGD's employee benefit plans; and (3) Tyler's rights to compensation earned up
through June 1, 2003, including accrued unused vacation and sick leave. Such
released claims include, without in any way limiting the generality of the
foregoing language, any and all claims of employment discrimination or claims
otherwise arising out of Tyler's employment under any local, state or federal
common law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, including without
limitation, any and all applicable state Human Rights Acts, state Fair
Employment Acts, state Disability Acts and state Age Discrimination Acts; Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991;
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended ("ERISA"); the

                                        3

<PAGE>

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; as amended ("ADA"); the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1964, as amended, as well as the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended ("ADEA"). It is the
intention of the parties to make this release as broad and general as the law
permits.

                           (b)      In signing this Agreement; Tyler
acknowledges that he intends that the Agreement shall be effective as a bar to
each and every one of the claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. Tyler
expressly consents that this Agreement shall be given full force and effect
according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those
relating to unknown and unsuspected claims (notwithstanding any state statue
that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown,
unsuspected and unanticipated claims), if any, as well as those relating to any
other claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. Tyler acknowledges and agrees
that this waiver is an essential and material term of this Agreement and without
such waiver Valley, VNGI and VNGD would not have made the promises, covenants
and agreements set forth in this Agreement. Tyler further agrees that in the
event, he brings any claim in which he seeks damages against Valley, VNGI and/or
VNGD, or in the event Tyler seeks to recover against Valley, VNGI and/or VNGD in
any claim brought by a governmental agency on his behalf, this Agreement shall
serve as a complete defense to such claims.

                           (c)      By signing this Agreement, Tyler
acknowledges that he:

                                    (i)      has been given forty-five (45) days
after receipt of this Agreement within which to consider it;

                                    (ii)     has carefully read and fully
understands all provisions of this Agreement;

                                    (iii)    knowingly and voluntarily agrees to
all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;

                                    (iv)      knowingly and voluntarily agrees
to be legally bound by this Agreement;

                                    (v)      has been advised and encouraged in
writing to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement; and

                                    (vi)     understands that he has seven (7)
days from the date he executes and signs this Agreement to revoke it and that
this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the seven (7) day
revocation period has expired ("Effective Date").

                                        4

<PAGE>

                  6.       Agreement to Be Available in Future Proceedings.
Tyler agrees to voluntarily make himself available at reasonable times and with
reasonable notice, without compensation, to Valley and/or VNGI and their legal
counsel, at their request, without the necessity of their obtaining a subpoena
or court order, in any investigation, preparation, prosecution and/or defense of
any actual or potential legal proceeding, regulatory action, or internal matter.
Tyler agrees to provide any information reasonably within his recollection.
Valley and/or VNGI will reimburse Tyler for his out-of-pocket expenses actually
incurred as a result of Valley's and/or VNGI's requests, or at Valley's and/or
VNGI's option, Valley and/or VNGI will arrange to advance Tyler's expenses or to
incur Tyler's expenses directly.

                  7.       No Employment Right or Contract. This Agreement does
not constitute an employment contract, and nothing in this Agreement grants to
or creates for the benefit of Tyler any employment rights, privileges or
benefits.

                  8.       Severability of Provisions. If any covenant or
agreement set forth in this Agreement is determined by any court to be
unenforceable by reason of its extending for too great a period of time, or over
too great a geographical area, or by reason of its being too extensive in any
other respect, such covenant or agreement shall be interpreted to extend only
for the longest period of time and over the greatest geographical area, and to
otherwise have the broadest application, as shall be lawfully enforceable. The
invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the other provisions hereof, which shall continue in full force
and effect.

                  9.       Waiver of Breach. The waiver by Valley, VNGI and/or
VNGD of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Tyler. The waiver by Tyler of
a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as
a waiver of any subsequent breach by Valley and/or VNGI.

                  10.      Assignment and Benefit. Tyler's rights, privileges,
obligations and liabilities under this Agreement are personal, non-transferable
and non-assignable. Valley's, VNGI's and/or VNGD's rights, privileges,
obligations and liabilities under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon their respective successors and assigns.

                  11.      Arbitration. Any dispute between Tyler and Valley
and/or VNGI concerning the terms of this Agreement, including whether a breach
has occurred, will be settled by arbitration in Washington, Washington County,
Pennsylvania and will be governed by the rules and procedures of the American
Arbitration Association. The costs of arbitration,

                                        5

<PAGE>

including each parties' expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees, will be equally
divided between and allocated to the parties; one-half (1/2) to Tyler and
one-half (1/2) to Valley and/or VNGI.

                  12.      Entire Agreement. This instrument contains the entire
agreement between the parties. It may not be changed orally but only by an
agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver,
change, modification, extension or discharge is sought.

                  13.      Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

                  14.      Amendment to Employment Agreement. The Employment
Agreement terms and conditions are hereby modified by the terms and conditions
of this Agreement and the parties hereto do hereby ratify and confirm same as
amended and modified hereby, including but not limited to Valley's obligation to
pay Tyler the Non-Competition Payments pursuant to Section 8. (c) (ii) of the
Employment Agreement in the amount of Eighteen Thousand Three Hundred
Thirty-three Dollars and Thirty-three Cents ($18,333.33) per month, commencing
July 1, 2003 for one (1) year with the last monthly payment due June 1, 2004.

                            INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

                                        6

<PAGE>

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement
as of the date and year first above written.

         --------------------------
                                        /s/  M. L. Tyler
                                        ------------------------------------
                                        Michael L. Tyler
         --------------------------     Executed this 17th day of June 2003

                                        Valley National Gases, Inc., a West
                                        Virginia corporation

         --------------------------     By /s/  W. A. Indelicato
                                           ---------------------------------
                                        Its Vice Chairman
                                        Executed this 12th day of June 2003
         --------------------------
                                        Valley National Gases, Incorporated,
                                        a Pennsylvania corporation

         --------------------------     By  /s/  W. A. Indelicato
                                            --------------------------------
                                        Executed this 12th day of June 2003
         --------------------------
                                        Valley National Gases Delaware, Inc.,
                                        a Delaware corporation

         --------------------------     /s/  W. A. Indelicato
                                            --------------------------------
                                        Its Vice Chairman
                                        Executed this 12th day of June 2003
         --------------------------

                                       7

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