Hauliers stage low-key fuel price protest

By Jennifer Hill

LONDON (Reuters) - Hauliers, farmers and motorists staged protests across the country on Saturday against record petrol and diesel prices, but a poor turn-out saw some demonstrations called off.

The group, Transaction 2007, had organised demonstrations outside oil refineries in a string of locations, including Cheshire, Southampton, Tyne and Wear, Essex and Cardiff, over the government's refusal to cut fuel duty.

Almost two-thirds of the cost of petrol and diesel is made up of tax, which is set to rise by 2 pence per litre in April.

But, while small bands of protestors turned up at arranged meeting points, plans to picket some refineries were abandoned due to a lack of numbers.

In Scotland, a convoy of about 30 trucks from the Road Haulage Association travelled along major roads, passing Grangemouth refinery in Falkirk, as planned.

Despite the low turn-out, organisers said they were not disappointed and that the demonstrations should still be viewed as a warning to the government.

Speaking on Sky TV, Cardiff protest organiser David Handley said: "We've been very open and honest all week, and said that today was not about numbers.

"We've put it (fuel duty) right back on the agenda."