A slow convoy of lorries could block the main traffic route into Pembrokeshire this month if truckers take to the road in protest at rising fuel prices.

A sharp increase in the price of crude oil has forced Pembrokeshire fuel retailers to pass the cost burden on to customers.

Tesco, regarded as a benchmark for fuel pricing in the county, is currently charging 72.9p a litre for unleaded petrol at its Haverfordwest forecourt. Two weeks ago the price was 69.9p.

There is simmering discontent among the hauliers who blockaded Pembrokeshires oil refineries 18 months ago.

Martin Greene, who played a prominent part in that protest, warns that direct action could be imminent.

We have got to make a stand, said Mr Greene, spokesman for South and West Wales Hauliers.

He predicts a demonstration ahead of the Chancellors Budget speech later this month.

Quite a few hauliers and farmers have been in touch with me expressing their concern about the price of fuel, he says. They want to make their feelings known. We may well have a slow march from Cross Hands to Pembrokeshire some time this month, he said.

There have been suggestions that the Chancellor will freeze the fuel duty, but the volatile crude oil market could still lead to further price rises.

Tesco, which closed its fuel forecourt at Haverfordwest yesterday (Tuesday) to upgrade equipment, could offer few words of comfort.

We aim to keep petrol prices as low as possible but when there is a significant increase in the price of crude to the oil companies we cannot fully absorb them, we have to pass them on to our customers, says a company spokeswoman.

Tesco plans to re-open its Haverfordwest forecourt on May 12th.