Gas Prices

EDM number 360 in 2005-06, proposed by Jim Dobbin on 20/06/2005.

That this House is concerned that wholesale forward gas prices in the UK continue to rise and for 2005-06 are around 80 per cent. higher than in continental Europe; notes that, whilst the UK is the world's fourth largest producer of natural gas, its industrial consumers pay the highest price in Europe for gas supplies; understands that UK energy-intensive industrial users are at a serious competitive disadvantage and the long term viability of tens of thousands of jobs across UK manufacturing is in doubt; notes the recent Trade and Industry Select Committee inquiry forecasts that prices will remain high over the next two years and that the UK market will continue to malfunction while operating alongside the less liberalised European markets; is aware of the recent Transco Winter Outlook report published by Ofgem that highlighted the uncertainty around the availability of gas imports through existing and new facilities, which is driving further price increases; and calls upon the Government to take immediate steps to restore a viable UK forward market in gas and to ensure that industrial consumers operate on a level playing field within Europe.

This motion has been signed by a total of 61 MPs.