Wholesale gas price hike sparks fears of food supply shortages

Poverty campaigners have warned about the effects of rising heating bills on low income families as a result of the spike in wholesale gas prices.

Food manufacturers say we are already seeing disruption to meat production, as the price hike is affecting the manufacture of carbon dioxide, essential for everything from refrigeration to animal slaughter.

Crisis talks between the government, energy firms and the regulator Ofgem have been taking place all day.