Fuel protests spread across Europe
Friday, 30 May 2008 12:19
Thousands of fishermen have gone on strike across Europe
Fuel protests have spread across Europe with thousands of fishermen going on strike.
In Spain, the industrial action by the fishermen is expected to bring the fishing industry to a halt.
Fishermen in France, Portugal, Belgium and Italy are all joining in protests against the rising price of oil.
Earlier this week, lorry drivers in the UK staged a protest against fuel prices which culminated in a petition being handed into Downing Street.
Oil prices recently hit record high levels of $130 (£65.80) a barrel.
Thousands of fishermen have promised to march to the agriculture ministry in Madrid today where they have claimed they will hand out 20 tonnes of fresh fish to members of the public to highlight their situation, the BBC reports.
On Thursday, French riot police were called in to disperse protestors gathered at the Mediterranean oil depots of Foss-sur-Mer and Lavera and a Total refinery at La Mede.
Farmers in France have also been blockading oil terminals near Toulouse and Dijon.