UK – The People’s Fuel Lobby (PFL), the group that organised fuel protests in the UK in the autumn of 2000, is considering reforming in the wake of recent fuel price rises.

Speaking exclusively to ConnectingDairy News, former PFL chairman David Handley said that recent price hikes were merely market manipulation by fuel companies. “We are monitoring the situation very carefully,” said Handley. “The fuel price only needs to jump by another 2p (0.03 euro) per litre and we will protest again.”

Such protests would have a particularly big effect on the dairy industry as many dairy products have a short shelf life. This means that retailers cannot carry large stocks in either shops or distribution centres. It would also leave product standing unused at processing sites.

By blockading fuel depots and oil refineries, the PFL brought the UK to a standstill in September 2000. Further protests in November 2000 proved less successful.

In 2000, petrol and diesel prices in the UK rose to around 90p (1.47 euro) per litre. In the last few weeks, prices in the UK have risen sharply in the UK to around 75p (1.22 euro).

The news comes just a week after UK Chancellor Gordon Brown announced his budget. PFL’s two key demands were met in the budget – a freeze on fuel duty and a ‘Britdisc’ tax system for European hauliers entering the UK.