Martin Lewis Warns Energy Bill Trick to Avoid July Price Hike ‘Could Disappear’

Martin Lewis has urged households to act quickly after fixed‑rate energy deals briefly dropped below the current price cap — but he warned the opportunity “could disappear” depending on global events.

The MoneySavingExpert founder said a temporary fall in wholesale prices, triggered by the Middle East ceasefire, has caused some fixed tariffs to become cheaper than the April price cap. However, he stressed that these deals may only be available for a short time.

Lewis, who is currently taking a break from social media, returned briefly to share the update, saying the shift in the volatile energy market could “give respite to some”.

He advised anyone on a standard variable tariff — meaning they are currently on the price cap — to check whether switching to a fixed deal could help them avoid the expected July price rise. His team recommends using the Cheap Energy Club comparison tool to see what deals are available.

Why July matters

The Ofgem price cap fell by 6.6% on 1 April, saving a typical household around £117 a year. But analysts expect the cap to rise again in July due to ongoing instability linked to the Middle East conflict.

The price cap limits what suppliers can charge per unit of energy for customers on variable tariffs. It does not apply to fixed deals, meaning households who lock in a tariff now could avoid the July increase — but only if the fixed rate stays below the new cap.

Fixed deals may vanish quickly

Lewis warned that the cheaper fixed tariffs now appearing may be short‑lived. If wholesale prices rise again, suppliers could withdraw or increase the cost of these deals.

MoneySavingExpert said:  

“Energy wholesale rates are spiking due to conflict in the Middle East, meaning many firms have pulled fixed deals, or made them more expensive. Whether you should fix now depends on how risk averse you are and what you think will happen.”

The site added that if the current turmoil eases before July, cheaper fixed deals could return — meaning staying on the price cap might be the better option for some households.

Should you fix? It depends on risk

Lewis has repeatedly said the decision to fix comes down to personal risk tolerance. Fixing locks in your rate for a set period, but if the price cap later drops, you could end up paying more than those on variable tariffs.

MSE’s advice:  

- If the Middle East conflict continues, fixing now could save money.  

- If tensions ease, better deals may appear later — making it safer to stay on the cap for now.  

- Always compare deals before switching.

With the July review approaching and global markets still unstable, Lewis says households should check their options sooner rather than later.

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