South African industrial gas consumers were troubled that Sasol had tendered for an excessive increase of piped gas prices, fearing that gas costs could surge by more than 30 percent, it emerged late on Tuesday.

According to BD Live, many industrial users also fear that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) would agree to Sasol’s tender for excessive piped gas prices.

BD Live reported that Sasol Gas, which is the country’s biggest retail supplier of gas and a unit of Sasol, South Africa’s petrochemicals giant, said new standard prices would see some customers paying more for gas, but most would pay less from next year.

On Tuesday, Nersa granted an extension for public comments on Sasol Gas’s application to set maximum tariffs for piped gas until March 18 this year.

It was also reported that the regulator will continue with the public hearings into the matter only thereafter. BD Live reported that Nersa would confirm the date of the public hearings soon.

Sasol Gas submitted an application to Nersa on December 23 last year, seeking approval for the proposed maximum price for piped gas for the period March 26, 2014 to June 30, 2017.

According to Engineering News, it also applied for the approval for the proposed tariff for its transmission pipelines for the period March 26, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

Stakeholders were subsequently invited to make verbal representations during a public hearing scheduled for February 19.