British Gas owner Centrica reports record profits of £3.3bn

Figure comes amid calls for tougher windfall taxes and against backdrop of prepayment meter scandal

The scandal-hit owner of British Gas has reported record profits of £3.3bn boosted by soaring wholesale gas prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and as many households in Britain struggle with the cost of living.

Centrica’s bumper profits are likely to anger campaigners calling for tougher windfall taxes, lower bills and better treatment of vulnerable customers against the backdrop of the prepayment meter scandal.