The cost-of-living crisis could be tackled with a broader windfall tax on excess company profits instead of a raid on North Sea oil and gas firms, according to a north-east MP.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP's business spokesman at Westminster, argued for the wider focus on profits as he called on the Chancellor to deliver support without delay.
Labour has already backed a one-off windfall tax on the oil and gas sector to raise £1.2billion as part of its pledge to reduce the average household energy bill by £200.
The Press and Journal now reports that the SNP is proposing a wider tax on profits that takes in a larger range of businesses, including those outside the oil and gas industry such as retail giant Amazon.
Mr Flynn, speaking ahead of a Westminster debate today, said: "It is only right that companies making these huge profits shoulder the burden that families face.
"This must be a balanced approach across companies, which recognises investment in communities rather than the ill-considered smash-and-grab on the north-east of Scotland proposed by others."
Mr Flynn said other countries across Europe are already taking "meaningful action".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last week that a one-off tax on the oil and gas industry would only lead to higher prices.
Oil prices
Meanwhile, the futures price for Brent crude continues to hover about the $100 a barrel mark, after jumping to around $130 dollars last week.
This morning, it was up 1.47% at $101.29.
Motoring groups have called for fuel prices to fall as the cost of oil drops.
The RAC has said it is "vital" that fuel retailers start passing on falling wholesale prices to consumers.
The average price of a litre of petrol rose to 163.71p on Monday, and diesel also hit a fresh record of 173.68p.
Oil prices soared after Russia invaded Ukraine.
FTSE 100
The UK's top share index, the FTSE 100, was up 89 points at 7,265 in early trading this morning after dipping by 17 points yesterday.
Companies reporting today
- Full-year results: Computacenter, 4imprint Group, Centamin, CLS Holdings, Ferrexpo, Fevertree, Inditex, IP Group
- Q3 trading statement: IG Group