Gas and electricity bills are set to rise again from 1 April following two years of constant increases. The cost of electricity will go up 2.1 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2006 and the price of methane gas will rise by 2.2 per cent. The increases will cost the average family in Italy an extra 28 a year, according to news agency ANSA. The figures are based on estimates from Richerche Industriali Energetiche (Rie) in anticipation of the official announcement expected at the end of the month. High oil costs, the rise of electricity share prices and reduced supplies due to Russia cutting off gas from the Ukraine were held responsible for the increases.