Government says bill relief is coming

Chris Bowen said the interventions were already reflected in markets that look at future prices. (Jeremy Ng/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The government says its price cap on wholesale gas and coal will eventually drive down energy bills, despite reports retail gas prices have surged by around 20 per cent.

The federal government intervened in the energy market late last year, implementing a temporary 12-month price cap on coal and gas.