A Mid and West Wales MS has called on the Welsh Government to provide clarity on any contingency plans they have in place to deal with rapidly rising gas prices, citing the concern that many families could be pushed into fuel poverty as winter approaches.

The call comes as the price of wholesale gas has surged by 70 per cent since August putting several smaller suppliers out of business.

Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds said: “I am calling on the Welsh Government to publish contingency plans to help vulnerable families should energy prices significantly increase this winter.

“Fuel poverty is already a massive problem in rural Wales, with 23 per cent of all households in Gwynedd and 21 per cent of all households in Ceredigion living in fuel poverty.

“Single pensioner households and households in the private rental sector are particularly vulnerable. “Following the Covid-19 pandemic, these numbers are likely to be higher, as people have been at home more while earning less.

“Should consumer prices rise and the situation worsen, we could see a substantial increase in those suffering this winter.

“The Welsh Government must be prepared to assist local authorities in dealing with a potential rise in the number of people pushed into fuel poverty and wanting to access local schemes designed to assist those struggling to pay their energy bills.

“I am also concerned there is a risk that many people could be pushed over the edge.

“Even before the threat of these price rises, we knew far too many people were facing the impossible decision of whether to feed their family or stay warm.”