LONDON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Britain's energy regulator Ofgem said on Wednesday that the household energy price cap will rise 13 percent from July, driven by higher wholesale gas prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The annual cap for a typical household paying for gas and electricity will increase from 1,641 pounds (about 2,206 U.S. dollars) to 1,862 pounds (2,504 dollars) for the period from July 1 to Sept. 30, equivalent to an increase of about 18 pounds (24 dollars) per month for an average dual-fuel household.

The cap limits the maximum unit rates suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs, though total bills still depend on energy consumption.

Ofgem said electricity bills are expected to rise about 5 percent, while gas bills could jump around 24 percent, reflecting continued volatility in global gas markets. The regulator added that Britain's growing use of renewable energy has helped limit electricity price increases.

Although lower summer energy demand may soften the immediate impact, the increase is expected to add pressure to household budgets.

Ofgem's chief executive Tim Jarvis said many households would remain concerned about rising prices and urged consumers to consider fixed tariffs and other cheaper payment options where available.

The regulator noted that prices remain below levels seen during the 2022 energy crisis, when the British government capped typical annual household bills at 2,500 pounds (3361 dollars). ■