Many are not worried by the threats but are becoming more irate as their tanks run empty and they can't find a queueless petrol station.

I do support the protesters as Blair is taking a hard line when public opinion is that they should bring the cost down

Delivery driver Michael Crutch

Others see the queues join them just in case.

There is mixed sympathy for the protesters and their methods of direct action.

Everyone agrees petrol is too expensive in this country, but only some support action which directly inconveniences the majority.

Peaceful protest

Investment banker Nagi Naba, 26, of Shepherd's Bush, endured a 14-car tailback to reach a petrol pump.

"It's happening all over again," he said.

"I've got to try and fill the car as much as possible and use it as little as I can.

"It is ridiculous that Blair is refusing to reduce the taxes. It's absurd that we are paying for the most expensive petrol in the world."

Taking no chances: Some drivers are stockpiling fuel

Mr Naba said the peaceful protests by the farmers and haulage companies were justified.

Lorry driver Paul Rideout, 26, from Newbridge, said he felt the brunt of the high fuel costs.

"You can't make a living, I'm lucky to clear �300 a week," he said.

"Prices have got to come down."

Mr Rideout said he agreed with the blockades but could not even afford to take the time off to join the picket lines.

He said he was considering grouping up with a few hauliers to buy a tank to store some diesel just in case.

'Cut foreign aid'

But delivery driver Fahim Khan, 33, of West Kensington, said blockades hit too many people too hard.

"I was out of work for five days and lost about �500 last time," he said.

Delivery driver Fahim Khan: Blockades are not the answer

"We all need the fuel, it is too expensive but the government should just compare the price with other countries."

Company director Farhat Jah, 29, regularly drives from England to Africa and was taking no chances with the threat of another fuel shortage.

He was filling spare petrol cans.

"I think it is a shame, I agree with the protesters," he said.

"But it is silly that Britain is giving large amounts of money as aid to countries that can't pay it back when people at home are saying we are paying too much for this and too much for that."

Embarrassed

One driver, who did not want to be named, had been forced to endure the queues to fill up his boss's wife's car.

"I'm embarrassed, the tank is three quarters full," he said.

"I'm sick with this country, we are a greedy lot."

Other drivers are taking it all in their stride, putting up with the queues but keeping calm.

"I'm not worried about it and managed last time," said delivery driver Michael Crutch, 50, from Aylesbury.

"If there's no fuel we don't go out and do the work. I do support the protesters as Blair is taking a hard line when public opinion is that they should bring the cost down."