FUEL protestors have threatened crippling blockades of the country's ports and the withholding of agricultural produce if the Government does not act to remedy soaring prices at the pump.

The Fuel Lobby, which works with Farmers for Action and the Road Hauliers' Association, has demanded the Government cut fuel tax.

North-East farmer and haulier Andrew Spence, of the Fuel Lobby, last night cited strikes at ports in Canada, where truckers have taken action because of fuel prices.

He said: "In Canada, fuel costs £3 a gallon. It costs us £4.50 a gallon. Every seven miles travelled costs haulage drivers here an extra £4.50.

"And the rises in fuel prices in the past few weeks will cost the average household with two cars £300 more a year.

"We are demanding that the Government reduce the 80p-in-a-pound tax."

Mr Spence said plans were being drawn up for farmers to withhold their produce and for hauliers to blockade ports for a week.

He said: "People know that we do not want to go out on protest, but the only answer is to hold a national strike.

"It is not a matter of if but when it will happen. All it will take will be for one dock to be shut and the rest will follow suit. It will just show how much the haulage and farming industries are really needed. We are not there to be taken for granted."

Mr Spence, who farms near Consett, County Durham, said: "We are now paying 10p a litre more than last year and yet are getting 15 to 20 per cent less for our produce."