North Sea gas may be prioritised for British homes over businesses abroad

NORTH Sea gas could be prioritised for British homes and businesses ahead of being sold abroad under new plans.

Senior government figures have ordered officials to look at ways of prioritising UK energy suppliers over foreign customers, as global prices rocket.

Britain exports enough gas in three months to heat 8.5million homes for a year — 32,000 gigawatts to countries like Belgium and the Netherlands.

But with a new Cold War with Russia looming, secret plans are being drawn up to protect the UK’s energy.

PM Boris Johnson has told ministers increasing energy extraction in the North Sea could help drive down gas bills.

But some still want to go further and give UK energy firms supply priority.

A source said: “Unlike EU countries, Britain is not dependent on Putin’s gas. We are in an enviable position thanks to a secure gas supply from the North Sea in an uncertain world.”