Finding the right gas plan can make a meaningful difference to operating costs, especially for cafés, restaurants, manufacturers and multi-site operators that use gas for cooking, hot water, heating or process heat.
The challenge is that there is no single “best” gas plan for every business. The best deal depends on your location, network, meter type, contract term, seasonal usage patterns and your risk appetite for price changes.
This guide explains how business gas pricing works in Australia, what to compare across offers, and the practical steps you can take to lock in a competitive plan.
What “best gas plans” really means for a business
When businesses search for the best gas plans, they are usually looking for one or more of the following outcomes:
- Lower total annual cost, not just a low headline rate
- Budget certainty through stable rates and clear contract terms
- Fewer surprises, such as unexpected fees, re-pricing clauses or auto-rollovers
- Better fit to usage, for example, plans that suit winter heating loads or a high-volume commercial kitchen
- Support with account management, billing, and multi-site administration
A competitive plan is one that matches how your business uses gas and stays competitive over the contract term, not one that looks cheapest on a single bill.
How business gas pricing works in Australia
Most Australian business gas bills include a mix of fixed and variable charges. Understanding these building blocks makes it much easier to compare offers properly.
Usage charge (c/MJ or c/kWh)
This is the rate you pay for the gas you actually use. Gas is commonly billed in megajoules (MJ), and sometimes shown as kilowatt hours (kWh) depending on the bill format.
Daily supply charge (c/day)
This is a fixed charge you pay each day to remain connected to the gas network. If your site is a lower user (for example, a small office with gas hot water), the daily supply charge can drive a surprisingly large share of your annual cost.
Network and transport costs
Your gas distributor and upstream transport charges (pipelines and distribution networks) influence overall pricing. These charges vary by state and distribution zone.
Retailer margin and fees
Retailers add their own margin for billing, customer service and account management. Plans can also include fees for late payment, paper billing, special reads or other services.
Key factors to compare when choosing a business gas plan
To find the best option for your business, compare offers on a like-for-like basis using your actual usage data. Here are the areas that most often drive real savings.
1. Total annual cost, not just the usage rate
Two plans can have the same usage rate but very different supply charges. Always estimate the total annual cost using your typical MJ consumption and supply charge, rather than focusing on one line item.
2. Tariff structure (flat vs tiered or block pricing)
Some retailers offer a flat rate, while others use tiered pricing (block rates), for example one rate up to a certain MJ threshold, then a different rate above it. Tiered pricing can be attractive for higher-volume sites, but it needs to match your seasonal profile.
3. Fixed vs variable rates
- Fixed rates help with budgeting and reduce exposure to market movements.
- Variable rates may track changes in wholesale and other costs, which can be beneficial in falling markets but risky in volatile periods.
If your business cannot easily pass energy cost increases on to customers, many operators prefer the certainty of fixed rates over the contract term.
4. Contract length and flexibility
Common contract terms include 12, 24, or 36 months. A longer contract can improve certainty, but you should check:
- exit or early termination fees
- what happens if you move premises
- whether there are volume tolerance clauses for businesses expecting growth
- auto-renewal and re-pricing conditions at the end of term
5. Fees and “fine print” that can change the economics
Look for charges and clauses that can make an apparently cheap offer expensive over time, such as:
- re-pricing clauses that allow rates to change during the term
- minimum usage requirements
- payment processing fees
- paper bill fees
- disconnection or reconnection fees
6. Meter reads and billing accuracy
Estimated reads can lead to bill volatility. If your business has had issues with estimates, ask about billing frequency, read schedules and whether the retailer offers clear usage reporting.
Business gas plan options by business type
Small businesses (cafés, retail, offices)
Smaller sites usually benefit from simple, transparent pricing, competitive supply charges, and flexible terms. If you have been on the same plan for several years, it is worth checking whether you have drifted onto uncompetitive rates.
Hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, catering kitchens)
Hospitality venues often have high gas intensity, which means the usage charge matters, but supply charge still adds up across a year. Seasonal patterns also matter, particularly if winter demand increases due to space heating.
Commercial and industrial sites
Larger users may access more tailored contracts. Depending on the site, this can include negotiated pricing, portfolio agreements across multiple sites, or structures where certain charges pass through with an agreed margin.
State-by-state considerations that can affect the best deal
Gas pricing and retailer competition vary between states and even between distribution zones within a state.
- Victoria has widespread gas connections and strong competition, but network zones and tariff categories can affect pricing. If you operate in Victoria, see our guide to comparing offers: Victoria gas compare.
- New South Wales is also a competitive retail market. If you are comparing providers in NSW, our state guide is here: best gas provider NSW.
- Other states can have fewer active retailers, which can reduce choice. Even then, reviewing your plan before renewal is still worthwhile.
How to compare business gas plans step by step
Step 1: Gather your latest bill and key identifiers
Have a recent bill ready and note your meter identifier, typically shown as a MIRN or equivalent delivery point number. For the best comparison, collect 12 months of bills if you have strong seasonality.
Step 2: Write down your current rates and contract details
- usage rate (c/MJ or c/kWh)
- daily supply charge (c/day)
- contract end date
- any discounts and the conditions attached
Step 3: Compare on the same term length and start date
When you request quotes, ask for the same contract length and, where possible, a start date aligned to your current end date. Like-for-like comparisons reduce the risk of choosing a plan that looks cheap because it is structured differently.
Step 4: Check the terms, then decide
Price matters, but so do the contract protections. If your business might move, expand, or change operating hours, prioritise flexibility and transparency.
Can you bundle gas and electricity?
Many businesses review both fuels together, especially if they want to align contract end dates and simplify procurement.
If you would like to compare bundled options or simply understand your total energy position, see: gas electric quotes.
How Zembl helps businesses find a competitive gas plan
Zembl helps Australian businesses compare offers from a panel of leading retailers, understand the true total cost, and switch without the usual admin burden.
- Fast, obligation-free review using your actual bill
- Clear comparison of supply charges, usage rates and contract terms
- Support for single sites and multi-site portfolios
- Switching support, with no interruption to supply
If you would like to review your current plan, start here: business energy.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a business review its gas plan?
As a rule of thumb, review pricing at least every 12 months, and start the process several months before your contract end date. It is also worth reviewing after major operational changes, such as new equipment, longer opening hours, or adding a new site.
Will switching gas retailers disrupt supply?
No. In most cases, switching retailers changes who bills you, not the physical gas supply. Your local network continues to deliver gas.
What is the biggest mistake businesses make when comparing plans?
Choosing based on a single headline rate and ignoring supply charges, fees and contract clauses. A proper comparison models the total annual cost using your actual usage profile.
Are there “green gas” or carbon-neutral options?
Some retailers offer carbon-neutral gas options or renewable gas initiatives. Availability varies by state and retailer. If sustainability is a priority, include it as a requirement when you request quotes so you can compare options properly.
Next steps
If you want to check whether you are on a competitive deal, share a recent bill with Zembl and we will run a quick comparison. You will see your options clearly, then you decide whether switching makes sense.
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