Express. Chaos in the worst spring snow for decades

As forecasters last night ­predicted another 10 days of freezing temperatures, experts warned gas supplies could run out within days because of a surge in demand.

Stocks have fallen to 10 per cent and extra gas will have to be bought in from Norway, sparking fears that energy prices could rocket. Up to a foot of snow fell yesterday with more expected today. Blizzards are forecast this weekend, adding to travel chaos.

The energy crisis escalated last night after Sellafield nuclear power station in Cumbria was shut down temporarily as a precaution due to the Arctic weather.

The weather has forced families across the country to crank up their heating, resulting in gas supplies running worryingly low. In January reserves stood at 86 per cent of capacity, now there is just 10 per cent left. The Government last night insisted the UK’s gas needs would be met. A spokeswoman for the Department for Energy and Climate Change said although storage levels were low, there were other sources available.

“Protracted cold weather increases demand but the UK gas market is functioning well and our gas needs are continuing to be met.

“More than half of our gas needs are still provided from the North Sea but it’s a reality that we now rely on a diverse range of sources.

The average household dual-fuel bill has already more than doubled over the past ­decade to around £1,400 a year.

In April Norway will reduce the capacity of its pipeline for maintenance work, putting more pressure on the system.