Extra bill for last year’s gas
An average €40 extra will be demanded after a prize freeze was annulled – putting in doubt plans to limit rises again
FAMILIES using gas are going to have to pay extra for last year’s fuel after a new ruling cancelled a price freeze imposed by the Fillon government in the last quarter of 2011.
France’s top administrative body, the Conseil d’Etat, annulled the freeze, in place from October to the start of January, which means the average household will have to pay an extra €40 for last year’s gas.
Usually gas prices go up according to rules linked to real increases in GDF’s costs for obtaining its supplies, which is why the utility firm applied to the Conseil, to make up its loss.
The ruling creates renewed uncertainty over the government’s announcement that it wants to limit an imminent rise in gas prices to the rate of inflation – 2% - as opposed to the 4.1% which GDF has said it needs.
If the 2% ceiling is imposed by the government this could be subject to another application by GDF to the Conseil d’Etat and more repayments later on.
Economy Minister Pierre Moscovici has said it is necessary to “start discussions” with the gas operators for a “responsible solution that shows solidarity”. He added: “The government thinks it is not logical to increase the prices as much as is asked for when a lot of people have seen a significant loss of purchasing power.”
