14 March 2006
The National Grid, which looks after the UK's gas pipeline network, was forced to issue an unprecedented alert yesterday, after demand for gas outstripped supply.
High demand sent the price of gas upwards, which prompted the National Grid to issue an alert requesting industrial users to limit their gas usage.
The company issued its first ever "gas balance alert" to traders.
The UK gas supply has been struggling because of the unexpected cold snap that has gripped much of the nation, which boosted the amount of gas used by the domestic market.
Also, the closure of the country's main offshore gas storage facility called Rough contributed to the shortage.
Wholesale gas prices have risen to their highest level in four months. The price of wholesale gas in the UK rose to 250p per therm yesterday.
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