Fuel campaigners warn of more protests

September's protests almost brought the UK to a standstill

Fuel protesters are to step up their campaign for a reduction in fuel prices in the run up to the election.

The warning comes a day after a series of peaceful demonstrations at oil refineries across the country - two in Essex, one in Warwickshire and one at Avonmouth, near Bristol.

Organiser Andrew Spence, of the People's Fuel Lobby, said the protests on Friday were just the start of action.

What you are going to see is a gradual increase in protests during the run-up to the general election

Andrew Spence
People's Fuel Lobby

In September, fuel protests including one at the Avonmouth refinery, triggered petrol shortages and almost brought the country to a standstill.

Mr Spence said: "What you are going to see is a gradual increase in protests during the run-up to the general election."

Asked whether there would be a repeat of last year's pickets, he said: "It is a possibility, nothing is ruled out.

"We will try to gauge public feeling, which is very strong at the moment."

On Friday, about 15 protesters picketed the Vapok distribution centre near Grays, Essex, and a BP distribution depot at Coryton, near Basildon.

An Essex Police spokesman said the protest was peaceful.

Peaceful

In Avonmouth, near Bristol, around 25 protesters spoke to tanker drivers as they arrived and departed from the Esso terminal.

Demonstrators left at around midnight, a spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said.

At the Kingsbury fuel depot in Warwickshire, around 30 protesters began a three-day demonstration.

A police spokeswoman said the protest had been peaceful and deliveries had not been affected.

Although demonstrators allowed tankers in and out of the depots, some drivers voluntarily chose to turn around.

Price pledge

The action came a day after William Hague promised to slash fuel tax by 6p a litre in the first Budget of a Tory government.

A week of blockades in September almost brought the country to a standstill.

Car manufacturers were within a week of shutdown by the time supplies started flowing again, according to government sources.

Defence and aerospace industries were also within a week of "serious problems" and steel makers had been on the brink of a 40% reduction in output.

The Avonmouth refinery was targeted again in January, when chairman of the Farmers For Action, David Handley, led 20 to 30 people in a further blockade of the docks.