Reuters: Shell says fuel supply unaffected by protest: “Oil major Shell said on Monday fuel tankers movements in and out of its Stanlow refinery have not been affected by a protest outside the plant by campaigners against high fuel prices.” (ShellNews.net) Posted 26 April 05
LONDON (Reuters) - Oil major Shell said on Monday fuel tankers movements in and out of its Stanlow refinery have not been affected by a protest outside the plant by campaigners against high fuel prices.
The demonstration was organised by Farmers for Action, members of which were involved in nationwide blockades of oil refineries and terminals in September 2000 that brought Britain to a virtual standstill.
"Tanker movements have not been disrupted and there's no impact on supply," a Shell spokesman said.
"As far as we know, about 5 am this morning (0400 GMT), a group of protesters gathered, using tractors to blockade the road adjacent to the refinery," he said.
He said that while this road had been closed by the police, this had not affected tanker movements.
David Handley said his Farmers for Action group was responsible for the Stanlow protest, which he said was continuing late on Monday.
He told Reuters the protest was aimed not at oil companies but at government policy.
"We want to hear what all political parties have to say on fuel taxes and on investing in alternative fuels that would help agriculture," Handley said, referring to biofuels.
Britain goes to the polls in a general election on May 5. Soaring world oil prices have forced UK fuel prices to record highs this month.
Stephen Brooks, fuel analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said average main brand UK premium unleaded petrol prices hit a high of 86.1 pence a litre around mid-April, while diesel hit a record of 90 pence a litre.
Average forecourt prices have since edged back to 85.9 pence for petrol and 89.8 pence for diesel.
Current prices are still well above the previous record of 85.3 pence a litre for petrol that was reached in June 2000, triggering the September protests that year.
UK fuel prices are amongst the highest in the world, with government taxes accounting for nearly three-quarters of the pump price paid by motorists and hauliers.
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