Couple left shocked after blundering energy bill said they’ve used £1.9 billon in gas

Car mechanic Sam said: “Maddie thought I’d got the numbers wrong, she thought I was being daft.

“But yeah, it is funny.

“I got a notification on my phone saying I need to update my direct debit and thought that was a bit weird. 

“I knew prices were going up but I didn’t think that much!”

Teacher Maddie went into stern mode to tell her beau he had read the numbers wrong. 

But she was just as stunned when she saw the figure covering the length of his phone screen. 

Shell’s mobile app helps the pair stay on top of their energy bills but they never imagined they would open it to see a £1.9billion charge.

Shell promised the couple that they won’t have to pay the nine-figure sum and assured them it is likely a technical glitch.

Record high gas prices are pushing up bills for households across the country.

Billpayers have been receiving messages telling them how much their gas and electric costs will rise in April.

The energy price cap will go up by nearly £700 from next month and will affect millions of Brits now on variable tariffs.

Shell has been approached for comment.