As of this week, National Fuel Gas customers in Mercer and other Pennsylvania counties are paying more for natural gas.

National Fuel has submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission its annual adjustment to gas supply charges to become effective Aug. 1, 2022.

According to National fuel, the adjustment increases the monthly bill of a typical residential customer with annual usage of 102,800 cubic feet of gas by $22.98, from $87.13 to $110.11.

The utility says the rate adjustment is primarily due to higher market prices for natural gas, which have increased the cost of natural gas supplies that National Fuel purchases for customers.

Gas supply costs are passed along to customers without mark-up or profit, according to  National Fuel.

Pennsylvania utility companies are permitted to update gas supply charges on a quarterly basis to reflect changes in the market price of natural gas. The next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be Nov. 1, 2022.

Market prices for natural gas have increased due to several domestic and global factors that have impacted both the supply and demand of the commodity.

National Fuel's price-to-compare gas commodity charge also will increase to $0.90380 per 100 cubic feet (ccf).

This reference point, detailed on the National Fuel bill under Gas Supply Charges, is important for customers who are shopping for an alternate gas supplier.

National Fuel customers who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call 1-800- 365-3234 to discuss payment assistance programs.