Compare gas prices and plans

Expert tips for choosing the right gas plan for you

To help you choose the right energy plan, our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien, has insider knowledge for you.

You can choose different providers

You don’t need to use the same energy provider (also known as energy retailer) for your gas and electricity. In fact, you may be able to find cheaper options by purchasing plans with different providers.

Keep your bills handy

Remember to add your recent bill details such as your postcode and as your billing period and usage when you’re comparing estimated costs. This will give you a better idea of what you would have paid, on the estimated rates based on the bill.

Compare when moving houses

If you’re moving, you can’t take your existing gas plan with you and gas may not be available at your new property. If possible, always compare and see which gas (and electricity) plans are best for your new property.

About comparing gas plans

What to consider

Each energy plan offering natural gas in Australia is similarly structured. Here’s a list of things to look out for when comparing gas prices:

• The daily supply charge is a fee for having gas supplied to your home or business and is calculated daily, regardless of whether you use your gas.
• The usage charge is an amount you’re charged for each megajoule (MJ) of gas you use (measured at cents per MJ). Western Australia’s (WA) usage rates are measured in units (one unit equals 3.6MJ) and charged at cents per unit.
• Gas providers may offer discounts if you pay bills by a specified date (new customer discounts or paying via direct debit) or a flat percentage discount may be available.
• Bundling gas and electricity plans together can be convenient; however, comparing them separately may offer greater value.
• Contracts aren’t always equal. Market offers typically boast discounts and lower usage fees (for a limited time), while standard offers don’t.
• Gas plan fees may be applicable when you switch. Read your plan information carefully so you’re aware of any charges you may incur. Gas retailers also charge different fees for things like receiving paper bills, making credit card payments and exit fees.
• Bill smoothing spreads your quarterly or bi-monthly gas bill into smaller, regular instalments. However, your provider calculates these regular instalments against your estimated gas usage, so your future payments may be more or less than your actual usage.

Is natural gas available across Australia?

Natural gas is available across the country. However, availability can vary based on your location. Even if your home or business doesn’t have access to gas plans, there will be an electricity supply. Find more information about gas plans for your state below:

• New South Wales (NSW)
• Queensland (QLD)
• Victoria (VIC)
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
• South Australia (SA)
• Western Australia (WA)

Please note that we don’t currently compare gas plans in:

• Northern Territory (NT)
• Tasmania (TAS)

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG)

LPG refers to bottled gas; it can be a good substitute if you can’t be connected to the gas pipeline.

Compare the Market doesn’t currently offer LPG on our energy comparison service. However, we can assist with quotes for natural gas if you live in an area serviced by natural gas pipelines.  Read more about LPG in our guide to LPG.

Gas tariffs

Your usage charges for gas may fall into a block rate tariff, where you’re charged different amounts depending on how much you use. For example, the first 100MJ per day is charged at 3c/MJ, but the next 200MJ per day is charged at 2c/MJ. Alternatively, you may be charged a flat rate for gas usage throughout the day.

Victoria has a seasonal gas rate, with winter months having different energy usage charges to non-winter months. This is because gas is often used in heaters and there may be more demand in Victorian communities during winter.

To learn more about different tariff types, you can see our handy tariff explainer.