The boss of Sorbent has warned consumers that the price of toilet paper may increase as the company faces a 290 per cent rise in its gas bill.

Sorbent CEO Steve Nicholson told 2GB this week there is “a real crisis looming” for the manufacturer and its customers due to the soaring cost of gas.

Nicholson told Ben Fordham that the company’s gas prices are set to almost triple next year after the contract with its current energy provider finishes at the end of the year.

“This is an icon toilet paper you’re talking about. We are one of the largest producers in this country of toilet paper and facial tissues, so it is a tremendous challenge for us,” he said.

Solaris Paper manufactures Sorbent products in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Nicholson said passing on costs to customers was “the last resort” for the company, adding local expansion plans slated for the company will also now be put on hold amid rising costs.

“We don’t want to pass on these costs but we’re going to have to. We can’t absorb these costs. Not 300 per cent in gas, that’s only one of our costs,” he said.

While Nicholson said he welcomed the move to renewable energy by government, he said something needs to be done in the interim to support business.

“The government is hell bent on renewables, and let’s face it – that is where we want to go – but there is a journey to be had and we need a proper transition plan.

“We’d love some feedback from the government on what they are going to do on this journey to renewables.”

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