German utilities are coming under increasing pressure to explain recent price hikes in the light of higher oil prices and record profits. EON is expected to announce its quarterly earnings today. +++LM REIN+++ Analysts expect the country's largest energy provider to announced a 16- percent surge in profit to nearly 4- Bbillion Euros. That would irritate consumer groups who have been lobbying the German government and the EU to do more to hold gas and electricity prices in check.