Britain should prepare for even more debt management problems, as fuel costs look set to go through the roof over coming years.

According to Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem, the crisis with Russian gas supplies will mean prices are likely to increase.

Ofgem boss, Alistair Buchanan, said that over the next few years the Russian crisis with gas supplies will “push up prices”.

This warning will cause worry amongst the millions of people currently struggling with their finances, especially pensioners and poorer households who are often forced to choose between heating the house or putting food on the table for the family.

Over the last five years the average cost of gas and electricity bills combined, has increased by over 115 per cent, from £580 to £1,240.

But Mr Buchanan fears that due to Europe’s growing dependence on overseas gas supplies, the cost of heating the home will rise even further causing debt management problems for many over-indebted households.

Debt advice organisations have seen the number of people contacting them for help with their fuel debts increase significantly.

Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt advice experts Chiltern, said: “Some of the people that contact us for debt help, are spending almost 20 per cent of their income on energy bills – so are having to cut back in other areas just to keep warm.

“As essential household costs increase, like gas and electricity bills, we expect to see more people trying to prevent serious debt problems from developing by contacting us for free advice.

“More should be done by companies so that those who are already struggling to maintain their fuel debt repayments are paying less, rather than more, for their fuel.”

Ofgem’s research shows Europe could be affected by gas shortfalls in as little as six years. Their figures highlight a shortfall of around 41billion cubic metres by 2015, equivalent to 40 per cent of Britain’s annual consumption.