A group of leading British businesses has called on the government to protect the UK economy against a new threat of rising oil prices. The industry taskforce, which includes retailers Kingfisher, warns a new 'peak oil' threat is likely to be felt in the UK within the next five years. Peak oil is the point when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters a terminal decline. The consortium is asking for improved government support for energy efficiency measures.