Higher consumption in the winter
צילום: חיים הורנשטיין
Cooking gas prices to go up 5%-10%
Gas companies slated to raise cooking gas prices ahead of winter, due to high consumption rates. Some say prices to drop in summer
Home cooking gas prices are slated to go up by 5%-10% in the coming days. The increase in due to the changes in oil prices in the recent months, which prompted a continuous rise in gas prices. Gas companies are expected to raise prices ahead of the winter season, which usually sees relatively high gas consumption.
Cooking gas prices normally remain unchanged as opposed to petrol and diesel oil prices. However, since cooking gas is produced from oil, its price is also influenced by oil rates. Cooking gas prices are not regulated and vary among consumers in accordance with agreements with the gas companies.
Two years ago a reform was conducted which enabled consumers to change gas companies and has also changed the pricing system and the consumers' ability to bargain. However, energy experts assert the market is still not competitive enough.
The winter season is considered more problematic for gas companies due to the small storage capacity in Israel, and the fact that gas can only be imported via two points along the coast. Winter storms cause gas shortages every year which sometimes manifest in prices of imported gas .
Some of the companies noted that the prices would drop after the season is over, whereas others claimed that such changes depend on oil prices.
The rise in gas prices is also expected to effect gas fueled cars.
