Energy bills likely to rise further - 10/05/2011
Problems in Japan, the Middle East and North Africa will push up wholesale gas prices even more than they already have, Centrica has warned.
The parent company of British Gas noted that energy markets across the globe have been "turbulent" following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan.
In addition, political tensions in countries such as Egypt, Libya and Tunisia have added to the pressure on wholesale gas and electricity prices.
With prices for next winter estimated at 25% higher than last year, Centrica expects this to unfortunately translate into higher bills for consumers in the winter of 2011-12.
According to the company, prices passed on to homes and businesses later this year are yet to be determined but will "reflect this higher wholesale market price environment".
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