FUEL price campaigners left Pembrokeshire's two oil refineries peacefully last week but have hinted that they may return if politicians ignore their concerns.

Around 50 lorries, coaches and taxis converged on the Texaco and Total refineries determined to get the issue of fuel costs on the politicians' agenda before tomorrow's General Election.

Alan Greene, chairman of the South West Wales Road Hauliers Association, emphasised that the protest at fuel prices was a peaceful one and not a blockade. There was no disruption to fuel supplies.

But the protest may not be the last, said Mr Greene. More action is planned across the UK and Pembrokeshire could once again be a target.

The protesters were the same ones who organised nationwide action at the refineries in 2000.

The week-long protest by farmers and hauliers outside the two oil refineries caused some panic buying.

Record high world oil prices have meant increases at petrol pumps in Pembrokeshire and hauliers say tax levels add to the problem.

Road Hauliers Association chief executive Roger King said fuel prices were a world issue, but were made worse in the UK by the exceptionally high levels of fuel duty.

"Even if the haulier manages to pass on the full cost of the increase, it can be up to 90 days later before he is paid,'' said Mr King. "That is straining the industry's cashflow to breaking point. No wonder many hauliers are becoming increasingly desperate."

He said the Government needed to stabilise prices by decreasing duty as prices rose The RHA supports peaceful protests similar to the ones in Pembrokeshire that seek to highlight the difficulties hauliers currently face, he added. "These should not involve the disruption of fuel supplies."