The government needs to take a stronger hand in ensuring that energy companies provide reduced tariffs for the most vulnerable members of society, a Scottish MP has argued.

Coming as a number of charities warn of the dangers facing the elderly over the winter months, Mike Weir, the SNP's energy spokesman at Westminster, has called on the government to do more to combat the threat.

In particular, UK energy companies should be forced to introduce the "social tariffs" outlined in the recent Queen's speech, with the elderly and poorer families to benefit first and foremost.

"It is an utter scandal that, in an energy-rich nation like Scotland, poorer families and pensioners face a bleak new year wondering how they are going to afford to heat their homes," Mr Weir stated.

"The UK government needs to get a grip and take real action."

The comments come as the price of oil rose above $95 a barrel ahead of a US government report which is expected to show reduced stocks in addition to the pressure caused by increased hostile activity in northern Iraq.