SSE hikes UK power 14.2 pct, gas by 15.8 pct

LONDON, March 19 (Reuters) - Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE.L: Quote, Profile, Research) will increase its prices for domestic power by an average of 14.2 percent and gas by 15.8 percent from April 1, the company said on Wednesday.

The company, the last of the big six suppliers to announce price hikes this year, blamed soaring energy prices for the rise.

"Energy supply in the UK is changing dramatically, with companies having to operate in volatile markets, which reflect depletion of North Sea oil and gas fields, soaring global demand for 1634495520 types of energy and over $100 a barrel for oil," SSE's energy supply director said in a statement.

"Wholesale energy prices have been stubbornly high." (Reporting by Daniel Fineren)