9.5% gas price rise confirmed

First major price increase in two years comes into effect on April 1 to account for the growing cost of production

GAS bills are to rise by an average of 9.5% from next month, the first major increase in two years.

The government's Energy Regulation Commission has agreed to GDF's request for the substantial rise to account for the growing cost of production.

Today's announcement, which has been timed to come after the regional elections, will see tariffs increase from €41.50 per megawatt hour to about €45.50.

The price of gas in France is regulated and can be revised every three months.

Until now, the Economy Ministry has had the final say on whether to approve a change in tariffs.

However it has now delegated its responsibilities to the government's energy regulation committee, CRE, which until now only had a consultative role.

Photo:Teq