gas prices

comparing gas

Despite years of price increases, by developed world standards gas rates remain relatively cheap in Australia. However, as gas prices rise they put pressure on the family budget so keeping gas costs down can be important for many Australians. Having the opportunity to compare gas prices and plans across a number of different companies on Switchwise's supplier panel might help you find a cheaper gas supplier in your suburb.

Gas costs are typically much lower in Australia than in the United States and Europe where gas prices tend to track oil prices. In Australia domestic gas prices have reflected local supply and demand fundamentals, characterised by low consumption and high reserves.

While publication of gas prices has been discontinued by the Australian Gas Association for commercial reasons, there are broader price overviews for the retail gas sector by the Australian Energy Regulator. There are considerable differences in retail gas prices for each of the states, the cheapest being Victoria followed by Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

The options provided by gas suppliers in Australia are not as advanced as overseas however there are still options for people looking to find cheap home or business gas supplies. Savings are generally made by either selecting lower cost plans or by bundling other products with gas.

When comparing gas prices in the domestic and wholesale markets to gas sold to industrial and large commercial customers, there is a significant difference in costs. Wholesale and industrial/commercial customers are billed in gigajoule units as compared to mega joule units for the average household. Wholesale and bulk tariffs charged to industrial/commercial customers in Eastern Australia ranged from around $3.50 to $3.80 per GigaJoule in 2006. Gas is sold to large entities from the gas fields mostly under confidential long-term take or pay contracts. Historically, contracts have lasted for up to 30 years, but more recently contacts have been shortened to 10-15 years.

Domestic users are able to compare gas prices across several different suppliers on the Switchwise panel and the options are growing all the time. Innovative gas retailers have found ways to ensure household consumers get competitive deals on their gas requirements. Finding the right deal, however, has often been the hardest part of changing supplier, as identifying and contacting retailers takes more time and energy than most people can afford. Researching online provides an easy solution for most gas customers looking to switch suppliers, and using the Switchwise calculator makes the comparison across multiple suppliers quick and simple.

Retail gas prices in Australia have generally trended upwards in the last few years, especially in Western Australia and as such many consumers want to take an active role in selecting gas pricing plans that suit them. While gas is still considered cheap in many Australian states, every dollar counts in current times and saving on your gas bills can help the family budget with little effort. Compare gas suppliers on our panel now to see if you can find and switch to a cheaper gas supplier or deal.