Britain could run out of gas as intense demand caused by plunging temperatures outstrips supply.

Britain could run out of gas because of plunging temperatures as consumers demand more for heating in the freezing weather

National Grid, the operator of the gas pipeline network, has issued a 'gas deficit warning' as the nation ramps up the thermostats.

It has been forced to ask suppliers to provide more to stop running out today as demand for the fuel hit a six year high.

Forecasts suggested the UK is facing 48 million cubic metres shortfall. The country uses around 70billion cubic metres of gas a year - an average of 198 million cubic metres a day. 

It means large gas users, such as gas fired power stations, industrial units and large businesses will be asked to use less gas.

It raised fears that factories would be forced to close up and down the country, but National Grid insisted businesses had protocols in place to use less gas if supplies run low.

Households will only be asked to use less as a last resort, if these measures do not work.

Britain currently has enough storage capacity to hold 4.7billion cubic metres. If they were full, and gas from abroad dried up, the supply would last about 20 days.