A giant LNG tanker is due into Milford Haven tonight (Monday) to bring much needed gas supplies to the UK.

The Zarga, one of the largest LNG tankers in the world, has been diverted to the Pembrokeshire port as demand for gas rockets across the UK while the unseasonal cold snap continues.

The Zarga, sailing from Qatar, can carry about 266,000 cubic metres of LNG – enough gas to power the UK for six hours.

UK gas supplies have dwindled over the past week after a pipeline from Belgium failed and the cold weather took a turn for the worse.

On Thursday it emerged that the UK only had enough gas in storage to meet two days of demand.

While some experts suggested that supplies may need to be rationed, the UK Government has maintained that gas will not run out.

A department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) spokesman said: “Protracted cold weather increases demand, but the UK gas market is responsive and our gas needs are continuing to be met.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb added: “There remains a long-term issue of gas storage as North Sea production declines but I am confident that the lights will not go out this year – partly because of the excellent energy facilities at Milford Haven.”

The Tembek, another LNG tanker, is due into Milford Haven on Good Friday.