The Netherlands Government has made concessions

The British Government refused to drop fuel taxes, the highest in Europe, opting instead to put pressure on Opec to bring prices down.

Although protests have been called-off, two opinion polls published on Sunday demonstrate the cost of the campaign to the popularity of the governing Labour party.

In one survey it has surrendered its lead over the opposition Conservative Party for the first time in eight years.

The other shows the two parties level.

The German Government is also refusing to lower duty on fuel and plans to ask the G7 group of industrial nations to urge Opec to increase production.

On Saturday lorry drivers drove extremely slowly through Hanover, Osnabrueck and Meiningen as well as highways around Ulm but caused no serious disruptions according to police.

German protesters, like those in Britain, appear to have broad public support - about 70% according to a poll for Bild newspaper and MDR television.

The German Interior Minister Otto Schily told Der Spiegel newspaper that he would use federal border patrol officers to clear any illegal blockades.

Concessions

In the Netherlands, hauliers said they would end their blockades after the finance minister Gerrit Zalm announced an increase in tax rebates on fuel.

Fuel is returning to British petrol stations

The Hungarian Government averted a planned protest by postponing a 6% fuel tax increase while the world crude oil price remains above US$25 per barrel.

Irish lorry drivers also agreed to suspend their campaign until the resumption of talks with the government next week.