Manitobans are in line for an increase in their natural gas bills.

The Public Utilities Board says it's approved a 4.6 per cent rate hike request from Centra Gas, which will see typical residential customers pay about about $38 more a year.

The new price kicks in May 1, but the board says customers with signed fixed-term, fixed-price contracts are not affected.

Primary gas rates will be reviewed again in August.