Gas deficit a possibility as big freeze hits UK

London

THE freezing weather entrenched across northern Europe will stretch Britain's supply of natural gas on Thursday as fresh snowfall was forecast for much of the country.

National Grid, operator of the Britain's gas pipeline network, said there could be a gas deficit by the end of the day as lower-than-expected supply meets with elevated demand caused by the severe weather. While there's little prospect of gas running out, the grid offered to pay industrial users to curb consumption and short-term prices could jump again after doubling yesterday.