Ofgem has announced a 13% increase in the energy price cap effective from July 1, resulting in an average monthly rise of £18 for households using both gas and electricity. This increase translates to an additional £221 annually, with gas bills rising by 24% and electricity bills by 5%. The price cap, currently set at £1,641, is the maximum energy suppliers can charge per unit for households on standard variable tariffs. The rise is driven by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted global energy markets. Although households have not yet felt the full impact due to a recent drop in prices, concerns are mounting about future increases as demand rises in the colder months. The government has faced calls to support vulnerable populations but has not yet announced specific measures. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the need to transition to cleaner energy sources to mitigate future price spikes.