The wave of fuel price protests by truckers and their allies that swept across Europe in recent days staggered the economy of several countries, threatened others and posed a direct challenge to government leaders and their tax policies.
The immediate effects of the widespread protests and their squeeze on fuel deliveries will be felt for weeks, but their attack on high fuel taxes could re-shape government policies, or perhaps the governments themselves, for years.
Across Great Britain and in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, angry truck drivers, cabbies, bus drivers and farmers on tractors used their vehicles to blockade refineries and fuel depots in an attempt to make other fuel users feel their frustruation, according to news reports. The protests spilled over into key commercial centers across Europe, and the lack of motor fuel caused difficulties for businesses, hospitals and schools as well as average motorists.
In Britain, the disruptions of transportation and commerce had evolved into an economic crisis by the middle of last week, before protesters lifted their barricades on expectations of talks with the government. Without giving in on taxes, Blair said his government would listen to protester concerns.
For the full story, see the Sept. 18 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
