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The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has urged Gordon Brown to appoint an energy minister to the cabinet to "lead dynamic action" against rising energy costs.

The statement comes amid rumours that there will be a cabinet reshuffle this week.

BPF chief executive Peter Davis said: "Since 2006 we've had promises from government of action to address high prices and our looming security of supply, yet very little has happened."

According to Davis the "era of cheap energy" ended in 2005 when the government became a net importer of energy.

"Our companies are enduring huge cost increases right now of up to 100% on gas and electricity," he said.

Last week trade and industry secretary John Hutton told the Daily Telegraph that although the government has got to tackle climate change, affordable and secure energy needs are important.

"That is why we cannot turn our back on any proven form of technology," Hutton said. "We cannot afford to say no to new coal, new gas or new nuclear."

In July Davis wrote to Hutton to request he speed-up planning permission and investment in modernised nuclear testing capacity and energy from waste.