GAS PRICES · OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026
Gas price per kWh in the UK (October–December 2026)
The average capped gas price in Great Britain is 7.97p per kWh, plus a standing charge of 29.68p a day, from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. That is for a default tariff paid by Direct Debit, and includes 5% VAT.
GB AVERAGE
7.97pper kWhSTANDING CHARGE
29.68pa day, GB averageLOWEST REGION
7.82pper kWh in East MidlandsHIGHEST REGION
8.17pper kWh in Southern EnglandGas price per kWh by region
Ofgem sets a cap for each of 14 regions, so the most a supplier can charge on a default tariff depends on where you live. Regions are sorted from the lowest unit rate. Annual cost uses Ofgem’s typical gas use of 9,500 kWh a year.
| Region | Unit rate (p/kWh) | Standing charge (p/day) | Typical annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | 7.82 | 29.41 | £850 |
| North Western England | 7.86 | 29.81 | £856 |
| Northern Scotland | 7.87 | 29.87 | £857 |
| Southern Scotland | 7.87 | 29.89 | £857 |
| West Midlands | 7.90 | 29.71 | £859 |
| Yorkshire | 7.90 | 29.77 | £859 |
| Eastern England | 7.91 | 29.34 | £859 |
| Merseyside and Northern Wales | 7.91 | 30.08 | £861 |
| North Eastern England | 7.92 | 29.79 | £861 |
| South Eastern England | 8.05 | 29.26 | £872 |
| Southern Wales | 8.09 | 29.96 | £878 |
| South Western England | 8.12 | 29.31 | £878 |
| London | 8.15 | 30.20 | £884 |
| Southern England | 8.17 | 29.16 | £883 |
| GB average | 7.97 | 29.68 | £865 |
The region with the lowest unit rate is not always the cheapest overall, because standing charges vary more than unit rates. Standing charges by region →
What it costs a year
Ofgem’s typical consumption values describe low, medium and high gas use. At the GB average rates, including standing charges:
| Usage level | kWh a year | Annual cost | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 6,000 kWh | £587 | £49 |
| Medium | 9,500 kWh | £865 | £72 |
| High | 14,000 kWh | £1,224 | £102 |
How gas is measured
Your gas meter records volume, in cubic metres or cubic feet. Your bill converts that volume into kWh using a volume correction factor and the calorific value of the gas, both shown on the bill, and then charges the unit rate per kWh. Most household gas heats rooms and water, so use, and cost, is much higher in winter.
Business gas prices
Business tariffs are not covered by the price cap. Government statistics give the average price paid by non-domestic gas users, 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 (provisional): 5.28p per kWh including Climate Change Levy, excluding VAT. These averages already include standing charges, so do not add one.
| Size band | Annual use (MWh) | Excluding CCL | Including CCL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Small | <278 | 8.80 | 9.31 |
| Small | 278 - 2,777 | 4.37 | 4.86 |
| Medium | 2,778 - 27,777 | 3.86 | 4.20 |
| Large | 27,778 - 277,777 | 3.68 | 3.83 |
| Very Large | 277,778 - 1,111,112 | 3.89 | 3.97 |
| Average | 4.94 | 5.28 |
Business energy prices explained →
How to find your own rate
- Your bill or online account shows your unit rate in pence per kWh and your standing charge in pence a day.
- Every tariff has a Tariff Information Label, which lists both prices.
- On a fixed tariff your rates are set by the contract, not the cap. Compare them with the cap rates above when the deal is ending.
- On Economy 7 or another time-of-use tariff, each time band has its own unit rate.
What happens next
Ofgem will announce the cap for January–March 2027 by 25 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average price of gas per kWh in the UK?
Under Ofgem’s price cap from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026, the average gas unit rate in England, Scotland and Wales is 7.97p per kWh for Direct Debit customers (includes 5% VAT), plus a standing charge of 29.68p a day. Northern Ireland is not covered by the cap.
Which region has the cheapest gas per kWh?
East Midlands, at 7.82p per kWh. Southern England has the highest cap unit rate at 8.17p. Standing charges vary more: from 29.16p a day in Southern England to 30.20p in London.
Does the price per kWh include VAT?
Yes. Household gas rates on this page include VAT at 5%. The temporary 0% VAT rate applies to household electricity only.
Is the unit rate the whole cost?
No. You also pay the daily standing charge, even on days you use no gas. At the GB average that is £108 a year before any gas is used. Your total is usage × unit rate plus days × standing charge.
How much is gas per kWh for businesses?
Businesses are not covered by the price cap. Government figures put the average price paid by non-domestic gas users at 5.28p per kWh for 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 (including Climate Change Levy, excluding VAT, provisional). Small users pay more per kWh than large ones.
When will the gas price per kWh change?
Ofgem will announce the cap for 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2027 by 25 November 2026. Fixed tariffs keep their contracted rates until they end.
About these figures
Regional rates are derived from Ofgem’s published annual cap levels, rounded to the penny, so they can differ from a supplier’s tariff by a fraction of a penny. They are maximums for default tariffs, not quotes. Business figures are averages of prices actually paid, not current offers.
Sources
- Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges ↗GB average Direct Debit rates and VAT basis.
- Ofgem: cap tables, October–December 2026 (PDF) ↗Regional annual charges used to derive each region’s rates.
- Ofgem: typical domestic consumption values decision (PDF) ↗Low, medium and high annual usage.
- DESNZ: gas and electricity prices in the non-domestic sector ↗Average business prices, 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026 (provisional).
Last updated 11 October 2026. Figures are dated benchmarks taken from the sources above. How we use sources →