The reasons behind soaring fuel prices will come under the scrutiny of MPs at a Trade and Industry select committee hearing taking place today.

Consumers have seen the cost of gas increase by on average 20% over the past year, and electricity prices have gone up by 14%.

According to the consumer watchdog Energywatch, the increases mean an extra £100 a year added to fuel bills. The collective bill for consumers reached around £5.2bn this winter alone.

Suppliers have blamed the increases in prices on rises in the wholesale price of gas. However, consumer bodies are worried that the increases could become a long term issue rather than a short term reaction to pressures within the industry.

Energywatch, who will give evidence at the hearing today, has been campaigning for great transparency in the way that energy is priced, as well as fines for anti-competitive behaviour.

Speaking before the meeting, Allan Asher, chief executive at Energywatch, said: "We have been saying for some time that something is going seriously awry in the market.

"There were few compelling reasons why prices should have gone up as much as they did. I hope that the select committee will back our call for measures to ensure fair play for consumers."

The committee will hear evidence from industry bodies such as the Association of Electricity Producers and the Chemical Industries Association, as well as consumer groups Energywatch and the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group.

Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2005