The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has called for a phased approach to any increase in natural gas prices to the business community, forewarning the risks could not only lead to increase in consumer prices but impact companies' abilities to operate and the competitiveness of exports.

The chamber's appeal to government comes as the National Gas Company has imposed a 77 per cent increase on gas prices for commercial and industrial customers.

Already, a leading stakeholder in the construction sector, Trinidad Cement Ltd has warned of looming increases in cement prices.