moneysupermarket.com: British Gas increases prices

Commenting on British Gas increasing its gas and electricity prices, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site, moneysupermarket.com, said: "Hot on the heels of EDF's price hike last Friday, British Gas bill payers are next to face the misery of price rises. With a summer of price hikes now in full swing, British Gas customers now face a £415 increase from this time last year and will be paying £1330 on average a year for their fuel bills - that's over £110 a month.

"Since the start of this year, British Gas customers now face a total rise of 56 per cent for gas and 25 per cent for electricity. British Gas has pledged not to increase prices again this year for customers on standard tariffs. All customers, especially those languishing on a standard tariff, should look for the best possible deal. While online tariffs still offer the market leading deals, these products are variable and are at risk to further price hikes.

"For those less willing to take a gamble, a fixed tariff is by far the best option. However, with prices jumping up and with providers such as Scottish Power already pulling attractive fixed tariffs from the market, these fixed rates are unlikely to hang around for long. I advise Brits to act now.

"Some consumers will be extremely concerned about their ability to pay their energy bills and I would advise them to seek help and more information about social tariffs available to them."