Britain will keep under review a planned increase in fuel duty, but motorists may have to face up to paying higher prices when they fill up, British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair said today.
Mr Blair said he was conscious about worries over fuel costs but warned there were demands on the government's purse which had to be met.
Speaking about the planned September 1st increase of 1.92 pence per litre Mr Blair said: "I'd prefer to do more for people on all these things, but in the end you have to balance the books, you have to make sure the economy is run strongly."
Road hauliers and farmers have set Mr Blair a deadline of Friday evening to postpone plans to raise fuel duty or face demonstrations.
The government is aware how politically sensitive the issue is, especially with local and European elections being held on June 10th