THE FAWLEY oil refinery could become the focus of fuel tax protests in the South as the general election looms.

About a dozen truckers and other businessmen stood outside the refinery yesterday as part of a national day of action.

But tanker drivers continued to leave the complex, quashing fears of another petrol shortage.

The cost of fuel is back on the political agenda amid mounting speculation that Tony Blair will call an election in the next few months.

The Fawley protesters were reluctant to discuss future plans in detail.

But they refused to rule out further protests at the huge petro-chemical complex if ministers refuse to cut the cost of fuel.

Mike Harnett, who runs a car repair business at Ashurst, said: "We are keeping our options open."

Another protester said: "It's a question of watch this space."

The protest started at 8am, when a small group of demonstrators gathered outside the refinery entrance.

One placard read: "Motorists say 'no' to highway robbery."

Police sealed off lay-bys on the nearby A326 to prevent them being used as assembly points for lorries and tractors. But the demonstration remained small and low-key.

Truckers and their supporters urged ministers to bring Britain in line with Europe and knock 20p of the cost of a litre of fuel.

In September dozens of truckers gathered outside the refinery.

They blocked an exit gate and parked their vehicles along a road linking the complex with the A326.

A large number of police were drafted into the area, but only a handful of officers were needed yesterday.

A police spokesman said: "It was a peaceful protest that appears to have been a token gesture. There were no arrests."