WEIR DEMANDS ACTION AND ANSWERS ON ENERGY PRICES

 

Commenting on a warning today (Thursday) by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks that significant increases in gas and electricity prices are "very, very likely" in the coming months, SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has called for a top level review of the energy market.  

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“As consumers and businesses suffer, UK Ministers seems to be playing pass the parcel on who is to blame.

 

“Government says it is powerless, and prices are due to global markets, while the energy companies say they have to pass on increasing costs.

 

“We need to know now who is benefiting from this. Government clearly rake in greater revenue, while none of the energy companies profits have, to date, shown a significant downturn and we are told by Opec there is no supply problem.

 

“Clearly if all this is true, the market is not working. Is it the case that speculation is pushing up prices? Are wholesale suppliers deliberately holding back supply? Is the lack of a liberal market on the continent to blame?

 

“We need answers and action now. Fuel poverty will rise fast if this situation continues to escalate.

 

“Households are struggling to make ends meet now, never mind if there is a further hike in fuel costs in the months ahead.  

 

“UK Government Ministers increasingly act like a rabbit caught in car headlights, seeing the danger ahead but unable to take any action.

 

“We must have a top level review of the domestic and international energy market.

 

“Ministers need to take action to help long suffering domestic customers, as well as businesses which are being crushed under the weight of these additional costs.”