Natural gas prices in the Isle of Man will remain unchanged despite energy suppliers in the UK bringing in further increases. By forward buying, Manx Gas are able to maintain existing pricing for natural gas users in Douglas, Onchan and Glen Vine making natural gas even more competitive when compared to oil.
Manx Gas are working with the Government to consider the potential for extending natural gas to Ramsey, Peel and the South of the Island which will bring the benefits of natural gas to many more customers. However, in the meantime, these areas will continue to use LPG. LPG is shipped and not piped into the Island and is more prone to price fluctuations. Recently, international crude oil prices have risen considerably reaching $100 a barrel for the first time. This has meant the cost of LPG to Manx Gas has also increased. Whilst some of these costs have been absorbed, it will be necessary to add a fuel cost surcharge of 0.93 pence per unit from February 1st for LPG users only. This equates to a 13. 2 % increase for LPG central heating customers. The increase cannot be avoided whilst the market for oil fluctuates and is considerably less than those being imposed by suppliers - 17.2% for gas from Npower.
Prices for natural gas users in the Isle of Man remain unchanged Alan Bates, Managing Director, Manx Gas, said "when oil prices drop, the surcharge will be reduced or removed as soon as possible. We are working to look after our customers and that's why in Novembers' Retail Price Index for the Isle of Man, gas showed a 4.1% decrease against oil which increased by 18.6% and electricity by 6.3%. If Island-wide natural gas does become available, gas pricing will become much more stable."
The increase to LPG tariffs and products has been discussed with the Office of Fair Trading.

About Manx Gas
Manx Gas is a multi-faceted gas utility company, working for the Isle of Man and making gas available Island-wide. It operates a one-stop 'shop' for all gas needs, from supplying and maintaining the gas, through to planning and installations, servicing support, plus the sale of new appliances. A round-the-clock safety and emergency service is provided.

Manx Gas directly employs around 100 people and provides regular work for well over 100 CORGI-registered gas installers. About 200 local companies supply goods and services to Manx Gas. The company operates a fleet of support vehicles, from bulk gas containers to cylinder delivery wagons, mains layers and customer service vans. It maintains more than 250 miles of underground pipelines.

Further comment available regarding this press release:
Alan Bates, Managing Director Manx Gas Limited.
Tel: 01624 644444 or email: alan.bates@manxgas.co.im