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Protesters have promised to resume the blockades unless the government backs down - though Downing Street says legislation will not be introduced until after the Queen's Speech, which is expected in November.

Minister blames oil giants

Jack Straw: Heading task force

"The government is not working to some arbitrary deadline or timetable set by the protesters. Nevertheless, it recognises that we need to move quickly on this," a spokesman said.

There appears to be growing tension within government as to how best to resolve the crisis, says political correspondent Jonathan Beale.

The government is considering plans to make oil tanker supplies an "essential service" so it can order drivers to deliver fuel or risk prosecution.

Home Secretary Jack Straw, who chairs the task force, said there must be no repeat of the crippling shortages.

We need to move quickly on this

Downing Street spokesman

"One of the key things that emerged... at the beginning of last week was the oil companies' lack of preparedness for a blockage of this kind," he said.

"It was weird that by last Tuesday and Wednesday the entrances to the oil terminals were clear... and yet the oil was still not coming out."

Water, gas and electricity firms already have a legal duty to ensure supplies and Mr Straw said similar measures could be applied to the oil industry.

He said the task force would also look at supply arrangements. The practice of supplying "just in time" had made supplies particularly vulnerable, he said.

Mr Straw admitted the tax burden had risen under Labour but said it was still lower than the rest of the EU.

Hint of concessions

The pressure on the government has been intensified by polls which suggest its popularity has plummeted because of the crisis.

Garages open

BP have 90% open Esso 66% Total Fina Elf 66% Shell 75% Texaco 72%

While ministers are playing down the significance of their worst showing for eight years, they are hinting at possible concessions.

Martin O'Neill, Labour chairman of the Commons trade and industry select committee, said that before the protests the government had not fully understood the extent of resentment.

Treasury Chief Secretary Andrew Smith, a member of the new fuel task force, said some people joined the campaigners "because they want some bother".

He said: "We will listen, we will meet with representatives of the industry and those who are concerned.

"And those factors will be taken into account, of course they will, as we draw up the pre-budget report and the chancellor finalises his budget."

NHS reviews red alert

The Department of Health is to review the "red alert" placed on the NHS last week. The department has already said the situation is "much, much better".

People are expected to be able to return to work, and supermarkets say panic-buying of bread, milk and other essentials has ended.

Affected schools are also expected to reopen, although in Wales, where education services were particularly hard hit, some will remain closed.

Despite fuel starting to get through, some oil companies predict it will take two weeks before services were back to normal.

The RAC said the level of Monday morning traffic was lower than usual.