As we move into April 2026, UK business energy markets remain volatile following the sharp disruption caused by the Iran conflict in March. The escalation in the Middle East – particularly the impact on the Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles around 20% of global oil and gas flows – triggered a rapid spike in wholesale energy prices.
During late March, this volatility led many UK business energy suppliers to temporarily withdraw pricing or pause quoting altogether, as wholesale markets moved too quickly to price risk accurately.
Over the past week, suppliers have begun to re-enter the market and release prices again, although rates remain higher than earlier in the year. Encouragingly, some short-term wholesale contracts have softened slightly in recent days, suggesting the initial shock may be stabilising – but the market remains highly sensitive to ongoing geopolitical developments.
Alongside wholesale movements, non-commodity charges such as network costs, environmental levies and standing charges continue to form a growing share of business energy bills, making it essential to compare full contract costs rather than focusing on unit rates alone. In this April 2026 update, we outline the latest indicative business electricity and gas prices available across the market to help UK businesses understand where pricing currently sits following recent volatility.
Business Electricity Prices – April 2026
Electricity prices remain closely tied to movements in the gas market, and the volatility seen in March has continued to influence pricing into April. The sharp rise in wholesale gas costs – driven by supply disruption concerns and geopolitical risk – fed directly into electricity pricing.
At the height of the market disruption, many suppliers withdrew electricity quotes entirely. As pricing has started to return, rates have generally reset higher than February levels, although short-term softening in wholesale markets has begun to ease some pressure.
This means there is currently a wide spread between the most competitive deals and average market pricing, particularly as suppliers cautiously reintroduce tariffs.
April 2026 Electricity Price Comparison Table
| Business Size |
Annual Usage (kWh) |
Average Electricity Rate (p/kWh) |
Average Standing Charge (p/day) |
| Micro business |
0 – 4,999 |
27.40p |
78.27p |
| Small business |
5,000 – 14,999 |
27.49p |
83.81p |
| Medium business |
15,000 – 24,999 |
27.40p |
83.81p |
| Large business |
25,000 – 49,999 |
24.82p |
118.10p |
| Very large business |
50,000+ |
Bespoke Pricing
|
Bespoke Pricing
|
*Electricity prices shown are average April 2026 business rates.*
The difference between competitive fixed deals and rollover tariffs remains significant. Businesses that actively compare suppliers – particularly during periods of volatility – are best placed to secure favourable pricing.
👉 Compare live electricity prices: https://www.wesave.co.uk/compare-business-electricity/
Business Gas Prices – April 2026
Business gas prices experienced the most significant movements during March, with wholesale markets reacting sharply to global supply risks.
The closure and disruption of key shipping routes, alongside reduced LNG availability, pushed gas prices significantly higher – with some reports suggesting substantial increases in wholesale costs over a short period.
While prices remain elevated, there are early signs of stabilisation as markets adjust and suppliers begin quoting again. However, gas prices are still highly sensitive to geopolitical developments and supply updates, meaning further volatility cannot be ruled out.
For businesses with high gas consumption, this remains a critical time to review contract options and assess risk exposure.
April 2026 Gas Price Comparison Table
| Business Size |
Annual Usage (kWh) |
Average Gas Rate (p/kWh) |
| Micro business |
0 – 4,999 |
9.94p |
| Small business |
5,000 – 14,999 |
9.55p |
| Medium business |
15,000 – 24,999 |
9.42p |
| Large business |
25,000 – 49,999 |
9.35p |
| Very large business |
50,000+ |
Cheaper Bespoke Pricing
|
*Gas prices shown are average April 2026 business rates.*
With standing charges continuing to rise year-on-year, switching supplier can deliver meaningful savings not only on unit rates but also on fixed daily costs.
👉 Compare live gas prices: https://www.wesave.co.uk/compare-business-gas/
What’s Driving April’s Business Energy Prices?
1. Iran conflict and global supply disruption
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact global energy markets. Disruption to shipping routes and LNG exports has created uncertainty around supply, driving volatility across both gas and electricity pricing.
2. Wholesale price spikes and stabilisation
March saw a sharp increase in wholesale energy prices, with some of the fastest movements in recent years. While markets have begun to stabilise slightly, prices remain elevated and sensitive to further developments.
3. Supplier pricing behaviour
During periods of extreme volatility, suppliers often withdraw pricing temporarily. As stability returns, tariffs are gradually reintroduced – often at higher levels — creating short windows of opportunity for businesses comparing rates.
4. Rising non-commodity costs
Network charges, environmental levies and supplier costs continue to increase, meaning standing charges and contract structures play an increasingly important role in total energy costs.
4. No price cap for businesses
Business energy prices remain unregulated, allowing suppliers to set their own rates. This creates significant variation between the cheapest deals and average market pricing.
Why April Is a Key Time to Review Business Energy Contracts
Following recent market disruption, April presents an important opportunity for businesses to reassess their energy strategy.
Key benefits of comparing now include:
- Access to newly released supplier pricing
- Opportunity to secure fixed rates after market resets
- Protection against further geopolitical volatility
- Improved cost visibility for the year ahead
- Broker-negotiated and exclusive deals
- Potential savings on both unit rates and standing charges
Switching supplier remains simple, with no disruption to your energy supply — and only a recent bill required to get started.
April Energy Checklist for UK Businesses
Given current market conditions, businesses should:
- Check their contract end date
- Review annual usage and standing charges
- Compare current electricity and gas prices
- Consider fixing rates for 12–36 months where appropriate
- Avoid rollover or deemed tariffs
Final Thoughts
Business energy prices in April 2026 reflect a market still adjusting after a significant geopolitical shock. While suppliers are beginning to return to the market and pricing is stabilising, rates remain higher than earlier in the year and volatility is still a key factor.
This environment reinforces the importance of comparing suppliers and acting at the right time. Businesses that proactively review their options are far more likely to secure competitive pricing and protect themselves from further cost increases.
Start your comparison today:
⚡ Compare Business Electricity: https://www.wesave.co.uk/compare-business-electricity/
🔥 Compare Business Gas: https://www.wesave.co.uk/compare-business-gas/