Energy regulator Ofgem has proposed to sweep away "complex and unfair pricing practices" by the main gas and electricity suppliers after examining the market. Ofgem added that, for the first time, it had uncovered evidence that suppliers had pushed up prices in response to rising costs more swiftly than they reduced them when costs fell. Ofgem examined the market in November amid an outcry from consumers when it was revealed that price increases had seen suppliers' profit margins soar by 38%.