With the arrival of the winter season and the heating being turned back on, gas bills are rising again. According to recent communications from the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment (Arera), the reference price for new vulnerable customers is set at 116.77 euro cents per cubic meter, with an increase of 5.3% compared to the previous month.
The increase is mainly attributable to the increase in wholesale prices. This change affects the expenditure on raw materials and causes an increase in transportation and meter management costs.
The vice-president of the National Consumers Union, Marco Vignola, stressed that the start of the heating season inevitably leads to price increases, but also highlighted that the price for vulnerable customers remains significantly more advantageous than the free market rates, with the exception of a few exclusive offers. According to data provided by Codacons, with an average consumption of 1,100 cubic meters per year per family, the overall expenditure for gas is around 1,284 euros. This translates into an annual increase of 64 euros per household compared to the September rates.
The outlook is not rosy: with the approach of the cold season, many countries are intensifying their search for gas supplies. This rush could lead to a further increase in prices on international markets, directly impacting users' bills.
Assoutenti has highlighted how the most vulnerable users are already feeling the effects of tensions in wholesale gas prices. Current rates are 10% higher than the same period last year, when the price was 106.13 euro cents per cubic meter. In conclusion, as households prepare for a potentially costly winter, it is crucial to monitor price developments and energy policies that could provide relief to consumers most affected by these increases. The global economic situation and policy decisions will be instrumental in shaping the balance between supply and demand in the energy sector in the coming months.
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