Companies say they're struggling to keep up with record-high gas prices on the world market caused by high demand during an abnormally cold winter.
Critics say the gas companies created a high demand by aggressively recruiting customers.
It's the first time that's happened since Massachusetts deregulated its natural gas industry in the early 1980s, said state spokesman Rob Wilson. The gas rate hikes come at a sensitive time for Massachusetts consumers, who are being hit with higher rates for electricity, home heating oil, and cable television. The state also prohibited gas companies from shutting off service for nonpayment before May 1. The date had been March 15. All Rights Reserved.