PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Businesses and consumers are being warned to prepare for sharply higher natural gas prices this winter.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson says natural gas has become a global commodity putting more pressure on supply.

Hanson says the natural gas supply is not unlimited.

Hanson says the best advice he has is for natural gas users to cut down on use as best they can.

Industry analysts say gas prices could rise forty to ninety percent over last year.