Gas price review: what it means for cooking costs

The energy regulator has approved a new price band for cooking gas, which could raise the cost of a 12.5kg refill by up to eight percent.

The regulator says higher import costs and the exchange rate forced the review. Sellers can now charge within the new band from next week.

For a family that refills once a month, the change could add the cost of a bag of bread to the monthly bill.

Consumer groups asked the regulator to watch sellers who charge above the band. The regulator says customers can report overcharging through a free phone line.

The next review is due in three months. The regulator says prices could fall if the currency strengthens.