Gas users face sharp price rise

Gas customers are likely to face a sharp rise in bills from October after a decision tonight by the energy regulator.

The regulator said it was planning to approve an increase of over 25% in the price Bord Gais can charge residential and small business users from October.

Bord Gais had earlier sought a 33.6% rise to compensate it for a significant increase in the cost of gas it buys on international markets.

Their Commission for Electricity Regulation will issue a final decision before September 9.