Greg Clark warns that the UK has only eight days of gas storage remaining

That is the alarming news coming today from Greg Clark, the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary. Figures he has obtained suggest the country's storage level of gas, at today’s level of demand, equates to 8.1 days. it comes after the National Grid issued a warning to energy providers yesterday - for only the second time in history - that demand for gas is threatening to outstrip supply.

He has been swift to attack the Government for failing to be prepared:

”This alert is just a taste of what’s to come as a result of Labour's negligence. Gas supply shortages are already being predicted in the North West and East Midlands and at today’s level of demand we only have enough stored gas for another 8 days worth of supply.

“I have repeatedly warned that Britain lacks the essential back-up plans needed for situations like this one. The Government has had its head in the sand on this issue for 12 years.

“When will the Government understand we need more storage capacity and the ability to get gas to consumers so nobody has to face the possibility of going without gas during cold snaps like this one?”

> Dr Clark highlighted his concerns about gas storage levels in a Commons debate covered on ConHome last March.

Jonathan Isaby