Europeans Keep Up Protests Over High Gas Prices
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LONDON — Fuel tankers escorted by police began to roll past protesters’ barricades early today en route to Britain’s fuel-starved gas pumps--the latest development in Europe-wide fuel protests that have left pumps running dry and tempers flaring.
The first trucks began departing depots in England and Scotland hours after Prime Minister Tony Blair held a day of crisis meetings Tuesday and promised a quick end to the protests.
Truckers, taxi drivers and others angry over high fuel prices and taxes have blockaded fuel depots for days, creating shortages that have set off panic buying. By Tuesday evening, retailers Shell and Elf estimated that 90% of their British filling stations were dry.
Queen Elizabeth II gave the government the go-ahead to employ emergency measures, which could include the use of troops to move fuel to critical points.
Truckers furious at high prices and taxes promised more wildcat action across the continent. Protests began in Germany and appeared likely in Spain and Ireland.
Although crude prices dropped more than $1.30 a barrel, traders warned that market fundamentals pointed to continuing high prices.
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