GDF could raise gas bills by 5%

HOUSEHOLD gas bills could rise by almost 5% in July - just three months after a 10% price hike.

According to Le Figaro, energy experts are expecting GDF to ask for the increase of between 4% and 5% to help cover its rising production costs.

The company needs to make a formal request to France's Energy Regulation Commission by June 10 the increase is to be approved in time for July 1.

GDF refused to comment on its plans, saying in a statement: "We are still doing our calculations and no request has been made to the Energy Regulation Commission."

If the increase is requested and approved, it will be the second price rise for household gas users this year.

A 9.7% increase came into force in April - representing an extra €85 a year on the bills of the heaviest users.

An energy industry source told Le Figaro that there is a feeling that a price rise in July, when households are less likely to have their heating on, would be preferable to a large rise in October.

Related stories:
9.7% gas price rise confirmed
GDF pays €500k for wrong bills
Gas prices frozen for the New Year