Las Cruces: Natural Gas Prices Could Rise 40%

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) – A natural gas analyst for the city of Las Cruces says natural gas prices in the southern New Mexico city could climb 40% to 50% this coming winter.

Mario Puentes says notices will be sent to city utility customers next month to give them advance warning of the expected substantial increases. He says prices have reached levels the city hasn’t seen before.

Mr. Puentes says the typical monthly charge for natural gas during the winter has been about $73.00. He estimates that could rise to $104.00 dollars a month.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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