Although they deny threatening a windfall tax, ministers say the firms' response to their call will be taken into account when they consider growing demands for a windfall tax to help poor families meet their bills. Eighty Labour MPs this week signed a petition backing a windfall tax, including about a dozen ministerial aides.
Ministers are cautious about imposing a windfall tax in case it results in higher prices in the long run by scaring off investors. But ministers acknowledge the strong political and public pressure over rocketing fuel bills and say all options including a special tax are under consideration.