Manx Gas has no plans to increase tariffs here despite a 20% reduction in commercial sales due to the Covid lockdown.

Managing director Ian Plenderleith revealed the utility saw a 17% reduction in sales in April, rising to 24% in May as a result of the slump in demand from commercial businesses during the Covid lockdown.

In the Channel Islands, sister companies Jersey Gas and Guernsey Gas have both seen commercial income down by more than 45%.

Jersey Gas has temporarily increased prices by 6.5% to offset the cost, claiming it has no other choice as three weeks of negotiation led to no offers of short-term support from the government.

Manx government Covid funding such as the salary support scheme does not extend to the utility companies.

Mr Plenderleith said the impact of the coronavirus lockdown has had a very severe effect on Manx Gas. But he insisted: ’Manx Gas has no plans to increase tariffs on the Isle of Man.

’If the lockdown continues until the end of the year ’things may be different’, he said, adding: ’I’m hopeful the internal economy will see a degree of normality return very soon.’

The Manx Gas boss said the island’s mix of commercial customers was very different to that in Jersey where tourism and leisure make up a much higher proportion.