Energy giant Centrica has warned that gas prices could soar by as much as 70% in the next few years.

An independent report commissioned by the company, which owns British Gas, warned that soaring gas prices will remain high for the forseeable future.

Jake Ulrich, Managing Director of Centrica Energy, warned: "It is going to hit people hard."


He told Channel 4 News: "I think people will use less energy and I hate to go back to the Jimmy Carter days in the US but maybe it's two jumpers instead of one.

"I think people will change the temperature they keep the house, they'll be more cognisant of energy waste, they'll buy better appliances."

The report by independent energy advisers Eclipse Energy Group predicted a massive rise in energy prices by 2010.

(CD/JM)