A CONSUMER watchdog is urging npower customers to shop around for a better deal after the company increased gas prices.

Npower gas customers will have to pay 5.2 per cent more for their gas, and Energywatch, the consumer watchdog for gas and electricity, is concerned consumers will accept the increase and potentially miss out on saving pounds on their bill.

Carole Pitkeathley, the director of Energywatch North-East, said: "This is a considerable increase, and we are urging npower gas consumers to not just sit back and pay up.

"If you have not considered switching supplier, then perhaps now is the time."

For price comparisons, call 0845 906 0708 or go to www.energywatch. org.uk