In a statement released to the stock market, Centrica, has warned that it may implement a new wave of energy tariff increases it attempts to cope with rising wholesale prices.

The firm, which owns British Gas, put its prices up by 15 per cent in January, a move which has been cited by some observers as a factor behind its falling popularity among consumers.

Since the start of the year, it is estimated that British Gas has lost some 100,000 customers and now has a customer base of 15.9 million, in comparison to the 17.7 million at the start of 2005 it enjoyed at the start of 2005.

However, Centrica looks set to brave even more consumer dissatisfaction and put its prices up again within the next few months.

It has argued that the steady increase in gas prices on the wholesale market "has caused profit margins in British Gas in the first half of the year to be squeezed to levels below our long run expectations."

The statement also read: "While the current outlook for gas prices does create a challenging environment for energy suppliers, we will take the necessary action to deliver reasonable margins in the retail business."