SEOUL, KOREA - The gas utility rates will rise effective on February 22 by an average of 4.4 percent. It has been only eight months since the last raise in June 2012. The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said on February 20 that the average per-household rate would rise by 1,127 won to 106,992 won from current 105,565 won.

By purpose, home heating gas rate will rise 4.3 percent to 20.93 won per Megajoule from 20.66 won. The rate for home cooking purpose will increase the same 4.3 percent to 20.80 won from 19.94 won. For industrial rate, it will go up 4.6 percent to 19.58 won from 18.72 won.

 

The ministry said the rise was inevitable because of the higher import natural gas price. The import price went up as high as 19.73 won per Megajoule as of July last year, much higher than the cost level of 16.27 won used to calculate the retail rates.

 

The ministry also said it would introduce a scheme to adjust the rate every two months to current market rates. Even though the government considered introducing the scheme years ago, it has postponed the implementation due to the fear of public outrage.