Energy bills are on course for another sharp rise, with Cornwall Insight forecasting a typical dual fuel bill could hit £1,973 a year from July.
That would represent a £332 jump from April’s price cap and signals the return of serious pressure on household finances as global gas markets tighten again.
The prediction comes as volatility driven by conflict in the Middle East feeds through into wholesale prices, raising fears of a fresh cost-of-living squeeze.
Emily Seymour, Energy Editor at Which? said: “Forecasts of a major rise in energy bills will worry many consumers… it’s important to remember this is a prediction,” adding households should avoid rushing into uncompetitive fixed deals.
She warned many fixed tariffs have already been pulled as suppliers react to market swings, making the decision to fix more complex.
For those struggling, she stressed suppliers must offer support, including payment plans and access to hardship funds.
The wider concern is structural.
Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said: “Predictions of energy bills rising by hundreds of pounds will feel like deja vu… as yet another gas price crisis pushes up the cost of living.”
She added the UK remains exposed to global markets, arguing the only long-term fix is reducing reliance on gas through electrification and renewables.
With many households still carrying debt from the last crisis, the risk is not just higher bills but deeper financial strain if prices spike again this summer.
Labour said earlier this week they would continue to monitor the markets and would act if needed to protect consumers from massive rises.
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