Drivers in Brussels continued action for a third day

In Germany over 200 lorries, buses and taxis drove to the border to France. Lorry drivers say they will block the country's transport network on Thursday.

Belgian drivers continued a third day of action on Tuesday, with truckers and taxis set up barricades in major streets around the city centre and in the southern cities of Charleroi and Nivelles.

Belgian protesters say they will keep their barricades in place for as long as it takes to force their government to climb down.

One protesting driver said: "One week, two weeks, three weeks - no problem."

Irish and Spanish drivers have warned they will join the protest later in the week if nothing is done.

No change

Fuel hot spots

UK - police enforce the flow of fuel after PM warning to protestors Belgium - three depots hit, Brussels under siege Netherlands - road tunnels blocked Italy - refinery blockaded Germany - action set for Thursday Spain - farmers call protests next week Irish Republic - drivers demand cuts by Friday Norway - protests in Oslo Poland - drivers discuss action

The wave of protests began in France, where blockading drivers won a 15% cut in fuel duty.

But other countries - including the UK and Germany - have insisted that the protests will not force a policy shift.

France has called for a meeting of European transport ministers next week to discuss the possibility of harmonising fuel prices and taxes.

"People must understand that these problems are complicated, and have to be solved together," said Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

Mr Jospin is expected to discuss the issue with Kuwait's oil minister, Sheikh Saud Nasser al-Sabah, on Wednesday.

The French authorities are working on a comprehensive plan to save energy in response to the surge in world oil prices.

Wintry scenes in Oslo as drivers staged a protest

A big day of action involving a wider group of protesters is being planned for Friday.

Transport companies say they are joining forces with farmers, fishermen and other groups.

They say a three-fold increase in crude oil prices has brought huge windfall profits to governments.