A NEW three-tier price system for natural gas comes into effect today with those consuming heavily to pay higher prices.

The basic gas price has been raised 20 percent to 3 yuan (48 US cents) per cubic meter for the first 310 cubic meters used in a year, a volume that is supposed to be sufficient for 80 percent of the city households. The cost between 310 and 520 cubic meters will be 3.30 yuan per cubic meter, while those using over 520 cubic meters will have to pay 4.20 yuan per unit.

Households with five or more members can apply for an extra 150 cubic meter allowance in each volume tier. Unit price of manufactured gas has also been raised to 1.30 yuan from 1.25 yuan per cubic meter.