Britain 'Could Run Out of Gas' by April

Harsh and unseasonal cold weather has depleted gas reserves in the UK, with some reports saying Britain could run out of gas within a month.

Gas storage sites have been depleted by 90 percent, with the equivalent of less than two days' consumption remaining, data from Gas Infrastructure Europe shows. Figures analysed by news agencies theorize that the UK could run out by April 8, requiring emergency imports of gas from Norway and Russia.

The Guardian newspaper quotes utility officials who believe there is a real risk of gas exhaustion in the UK in the longer term, but within three years.

Ian Marchant, of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), said: "It appears the government is significantly underestimating the scale of the capacity crunch facing the UK in the next three years and there is a very real risk of the lights going out as a result."

Britain has endured the coldest March in 50 years, as snow and blizzard conditions afflicted much of Europe.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said it was monitoring the situation closely.

"Our market has spare import capacity built in. However, we take gas security and the risk of harmful price spikes seriously and monitor price and supply developments working closely with National Grid," said Emily Towers, DECC's spokeswoman responsible for energy supply and emergency planning.