The UK should have enough gas to get through this winter after benefiting from increased investment in pipelines and storage facilities, a report has said.National Grid revealed that the outlook for gas supplies has improved by more than 70 million cubic metres of gas a day – the equivalent to around 15% of the gas used on a cold winter’s day.But consumers are unlikely to see any benefit this winter, with energy firms set to leave prices on hold because of the increasing cost of wholesale gas. Forwards gas prices for January to March 2008 are currently around 49p a therm amid record oil prices, continued risks to production from the hurricane season and the threat of higher demand in a colder winter in Europe. Energy regulator Ofgem also added that the improved supplies had already been factored into gas prices for the winter. British Gas owner Centrica reiterated that it is unlikely to implement further cuts to fuel bills, following similar comments from chief executive Sam Laidlaw at the group’s interim results last month. National Grid warned there were still risks and uncertainties relating to imports from Europe and how international gas price movements might affect imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). A cold winter in Europe could curb imports for the UK, while events like hurricane Katrina which destroyed gas production facilities in the US can also disrupt imports and increase prices in the UK. Centrica added that while the improvements to infrastructure would help boost gas supplies for now, the UK needed to maintain its investment in importing gas as the UK’s reserves in the North Sea continue to decline. Significant improvements this year include the connection of the Langeled pipeline from the Ormen Lange gas field in the North Sea to the UK. Gas storage facilities also increased with a new facility at Aldbrough in East Yorkshire and the expansion of an existing facility at Hole House Farm, Cheshire.

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