Israel Upgrades Gas Price Calculator to Help Consumers Save Thousands

The Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has upgraded its gas price comparison calculator, introducing new features designed to increase competition and transparency in the domestic gas market. The enhanced tool aims to help consumers identify potential savings on their household gas bills.

The "My Personal Savings" feature allows users to input details from their latest gas bill, including their current supplier, bi-monthly consumption in cubic meters, and the bill amount (or cylinder price for tank users). The calculator then reveals the potential annual savings by switching to the cheapest supplier in their area and names that supplier.

Even consumers already with the cheapest local supplier can use the tool. If they are paying more than the average price reported by that supplier to the ministry, they can see their potential savings and discuss a price reduction with their current provider. For those using central gas systems in apartment buildings, the calculator can also help identify other buildings connected to the same system, facilitating a collective switch to a new supplier.

Additionally, the upgrade includes two new guides: one for private homes and another for shared central gas systems, offering step-by-step instructions and FAQs on how to switch gas suppliers. These guides are accessible throughout the calculator's usage.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to boost competition, transparency, and lower prices in the domestic gas sector. The ministry is working to remove barriers to switching suppliers, publishing price difference data, and raising public awareness about the benefits of comparing prices and changing providers. A public awareness campaign launched in June highlighted significant price discrepancies between suppliers, potentially costing consumers hundreds or even thousands of shekels annually.