Strike will not reduce prices

Panic buying of fuel has started in Spain and there are concerns that shops will run out of food within days because of the Spanish lorry drivers' strike.

The drivers have stopped work and blocked roads to protest against the rising cost of fuel. The trouble for Europe is that industrial action in one country can have consequences, because of the integrated transport system, in another.

Calls by some world leaders to increase oil production to bring down prices are not the answer. Oil is a precious resource and the exporting countries have a right to protect it. Besides the fluctuation in prices does not reflect market fundamentals and owes more to speculators.

Lorry drivers and haulage firms have legitimate concerns but blocking Europe's commercial arteries and putting its food supply under threat will not further their cause.

Their representatives have access to government officials and can express their concern. But in an age of rising prices it is not feasible to block roads or threaten calamity in a knee-jerk reaction.

High energy costs may be with us for some time. Blocking roads and causing mayhem will not reduce prices but it will inflame passions.