ICY BLAST FROM SCOTTISH GAS CUTS THROUGH HEAT WAVE

Mike Weir MP, SNP Spokesperson on Energy, has hit out at yet another round of energy price hikes from Scottish Gas and called upon the government to look closely at the actions of energy companies in
continually raising prices for consumers.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

"This latest icy blast from Scottish Gas has cut right through the heat wave and shows that Scots consumers will face a cold winter with ever increasing energy costs.

"No doubt we will now see a series of adverts from Scottish Gas' competitors trumpeting they are not increasing prices, only to see them increase their own prices a few weeks later.

"The relentless rise of energy prices is putting an unbearable strain on many Scots families. Increasingly changing supplier will only give short term relief until other companies put up their prices.

"It is high time the government took a closer interest in how prices are steadily climbing at the same time as the companies are making massive profits. The consumer is being left to bear the brunt of rising wholesale gas prices.

"The situation is particularly hard in Scotland since we produce six times more gas than we actually use. It is ludicrous that in an energy rich nation Scots consumers are facing yet further increases putting pressure on already overstretched family budgets."