Mr Tami said he had received assurances from the Chancellor that the Government would be pressing for a review of the reasons behind the gas price rises in an attempt to ease the burden on consumers, after power giants npower increased prices in a move expected to be replicated by other firms.

Mr Tami said: "In order to achieve stable energy prices we have to look at diversifying energy supplies.

"In the meantime, efforts are under way at the highest level to reign in energy suppliers who could be profiteering from reduced gas production."

Npower claim wholesale energy price rises are to blame for the increases, which have added to gas and electricity bills across the region.

A company statement said: "Since mid-February 2007, electricity wholesale costs for 2008 have increased by 66 per cent and gas by 60 per cent."

The company also pointed to increased distribution and transmission costs.

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