Europeans Keep Up Protests Over High Gas Prices
Protests against fuel prices blocked highways across Europe on Tuesday, and as pumps ran dry in Britain, Prime Minister Tony Blair vowed tough action to move supplies through blockades.
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.
Panic buying swept Britain, draining supplies. In the worst-hit areas, garbage went uncollected and hospitals canceled nonemergency services.
“Legitimate protest is one thing. Trying to bring the country to a halt is quite another,” Blair told a news conference.
He said police would do what was necessary to protect gasoline consumers against intimidation and had already removed most obstacles from blockades. Oil companies will urge drivers to cross peaceful picket lines, he said.
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