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Protest threat at high fuel cost Protest threat at high fuel cost
(20 minutes later)
Lorry drivers are considering blockading oil refineries after diesel prices in Wales were revealed as the highest in the UK.Lorry drivers are considering blockading oil refineries after diesel prices in Wales were revealed as the highest in the UK.
Wales is also one of the top four most expensive areas for unleaded petrol, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) monthly report. Wales is also one of the top four most expensive areas for unleaded petrol, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists' (IAM) monthly report.
The South Wales Hauliers Association said drivers were considering action.The South Wales Hauliers Association said drivers were considering action.
Environmental campaigners called for money from the duty on fuel to be used to improve rail and bus networks.Environmental campaigners called for money from the duty on fuel to be used to improve rail and bus networks.
For the first time the average UK-wide monthly price for both unleaded petrol and diesel has topped £1 per litre, according to the IAM.For the first time the average UK-wide monthly price for both unleaded petrol and diesel has topped £1 per litre, according to the IAM.
All it takes is one more spark and we'll be back at the refineries Mike Greene, South Wales Hauliers AssociationAll it takes is one more spark and we'll be back at the refineries Mike Greene, South Wales Hauliers Association
The monthly figures showed diesel prices in Wales have reached an average of £1.06 per litre, compared to the UK average of £1.05.44.The monthly figures showed diesel prices in Wales have reached an average of £1.06 per litre, compared to the UK average of £1.05.44.
Mike Greene from the South Wales Hauliers Association said he had been inundated with calls.Mike Greene from the South Wales Hauliers Association said he had been inundated with calls.
He said he had spent £4,750 more for his eight lorries on diesel this month compared to the start of the year.He said he had spent £4,750 more for his eight lorries on diesel this month compared to the start of the year.
Mr Greene called the situation "shameful", adding: "We're talking now about going back to blockade the oil refineries.Mr Greene called the situation "shameful", adding: "We're talking now about going back to blockade the oil refineries.
"The Scottish hauliers are all ready to go and I'm in contact with the Bristol hauliers too."The Scottish hauliers are all ready to go and I'm in contact with the Bristol hauliers too.
"All it takes is one more spark and we'll be back at the refineries.""All it takes is one more spark and we'll be back at the refineries."
'Price war''Price war'
The IAM's head of policy for Wales, Tim Shallcross, said fuel prices in different parts of the UK tended to vary in three-monthly cycles, but prices were usually driven down by supermarket price wars.The IAM's head of policy for Wales, Tim Shallcross, said fuel prices in different parts of the UK tended to vary in three-monthly cycles, but prices were usually driven down by supermarket price wars.
He said this did not happen as much in Wales, simply because there were fewer supermarkets in close proximity to each other than in other parts of Britain.He said this did not happen as much in Wales, simply because there were fewer supermarkets in close proximity to each other than in other parts of Britain.
"What seems terribly unfair is we never seem to have much of a price war in Wales," he added."What seems terribly unfair is we never seem to have much of a price war in Wales," he added.
Environmental campaigners are calling for better public transportEnvironmental campaigners are calling for better public transport
"The other thing that influences costs is distribution costs.""The other thing that influences costs is distribution costs."
Mr Shallcross said it was more cost-effective to deliver fuel in areas where a number of petrol stations were closer together.Mr Shallcross said it was more cost-effective to deliver fuel in areas where a number of petrol stations were closer together.
"That is a factor, but only a minor factor. The whole story is generally local competition," he added."That is a factor, but only a minor factor. The whole story is generally local competition," he added.
Gordon James, of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said the demand for oil was continuing to increase, but as a resource it was becoming more scarce.Gordon James, of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said the demand for oil was continuing to increase, but as a resource it was becoming more scarce.
"People have to come to terms with this and adapt," he said."People have to come to terms with this and adapt," he said.
"It's very hard for individuals, but what we need is more energy-efficient cars and better public transport."It's very hard for individuals, but what we need is more energy-efficient cars and better public transport.
"The government must spend the money that's raised from the duty on fuel on improving rail and bus networks.""The government must spend the money that's raised from the duty on fuel on improving rail and bus networks."
Mr James said money should be spent to help those living in rural areas who were being hit "particularly hard".Mr James said money should be spent to help those living in rural areas who were being hit "particularly hard".
Rising fuel costs will be discussed on CF99 on S4C at 2215 GMT on Wednesday, with English subtitles.Rising fuel costs will be discussed on CF99 on S4C at 2215 GMT on Wednesday, with English subtitles.