BIG six profiteer British Gas tossed crumbs to residential customers yesterday, unveiling a 5 per cent price cut in a desperate bid to silence calls to restrain the energy sector.

The decision follows a similar move by competitor Eon — but will only come into force after the cold winter months.

Centrica-owned BG Group said it would save 6.8 million customers £37 annually and reflected lower wholesale gas prices.