Fuel prices have risen sharply in the last four years

A meeting will be held in Edinburgh on Tuesday, when hauliers will "consider their options" in the wake of average prices breaking the �1 a litre barrier.

The Road Haulage Association of Scotland (RHAS) said the rises had left most firms struggling for survival.

It warned the mood among drivers was worse than during the 2000 blockades.

That protest saw refineries blocked off by fleets of lorries, resulting in nationwide shortages at petrol stations.

Phil Flanders, RHAS director, said many hauliers had reported having to requote for business the next day as prices soared.

People out there really are very angry - some are on the breadline Phil Flanders RHAS

He added: "Drivers are at their wits end. Prices have gone up 50% since 2003 and not very many are making an adequate return.

"People out there really are very angry - some are on the breadline.

"I know it's not the government's fault, but they could help, and they should help. But I think they don't care."

The RHAS is hosting the Edinburgh meeting for a "representative" sample of its 1,300 members.

Mr Flanders said: "The meeting is to try and protect the future of the haulage industry in Scotland.

"The outcomes will range from doing nothing to doing everything - there will be a full range of subjects discussed."

'Older and wiser'

Referring to the tactics adopted in 2000, he added: "People are older and wiser now. "They know that there are certain things they can't do. But we can make the government listen."

Pat Glancey, the RHAS regional manager for Scotland, said the government should delay imposing a planned 2p rise in fuel duty this April.

"We actually need something done before April, because this situation is unbelievable," she said.