EXHIBIT 12 NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges January 1, 1993 - June 30, 1998 Twelve Months Year Ended December 31, Ended ---------------------------------------------- June 30, 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -------- Fixed Charges, as Defined: Interest on Long- Term Debt $22,578 $21,921 $23,141 $23,176 $24,918 $27,090 Other Interest 1,906 2,473 2,252 3,448 4,500 3,975 Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense 775 850 882 865 730 701 Interest Portion of Rentals 1,701 1,697 1,764 1,798 2,111 2,111 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total Fixed Charges, as defined $26,960 $26,941 $28,039 $29,287 $32,259 $33,877 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Earnings, as defined: Net Income $37,647 $35,461 $38,065 $46,793 $43,059 $43,226 Taxes on Income 22,096 20,473 22,120 27,347 21,106 17,579 Fixed Charges, as above 26,960 26,941 28,039 29,287 32,259 33,877 ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------- Total Earnings, as defined $86,703 $82,875 $88,224 $103,427 $96,424 $94,682 ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======= Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.22 3.08 3.15 3.53 2.99 2.79 ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====