FUEL industry bosses have warned protesters they will be ready for them when they try to bring the country's fuel supply to a halt this weekend.

Organisers have promised the action will be "bigger and better" than the oil refinery blockades of September 2000 that led to petrol pumps drying up and massive queues on other forecourts.

Yesterday, Transaction 2007 - a group made up of hauliers, farmers and motorists - announced it is staging action at sites across Britain on Saturday, in a bid to persuade the government to lower fuel tax.

A major target for protesters will be the Esso oil refinery in Fawley and it could also include action at the BP storage facility at Hamble.

But last night the fuel industry hit back at campaigners, saying plans are already in place to ensure disruption is minimised.

Although representatives at the Fawley refinery would not be drawn on how it intends to deal with campaigners gathering at its gates, an industry spokesman said negotiations have already been held with police.

Nick Vandervell, of the UK Petroleum Industries Association, told the Daily Echo companies are watching developments closely, but he believes any fresh protest would not have the same impact as seven years ago.

"Things are very different now as compared with the major disruption of 2000, when I think things really got out of hand," he said.

"Things have moved on, both in the industry and government.

"We shall really just have to wait and see what form these protests take, but emergency plans have been developed and we are much better prepared."

A spokesman for BP Hamble said the company is also ready to deal with any action.

"BP has plans in place to deal with all types of incidents, including fuel protests," he said.

"We will be working closely with the police and intelligence agencies to monitor any specific local activities."

Transaction insists its protest will be within the law, but is keeping details private. The group, which is headed by Hampshire haulier Chris Hunter, hopes announcing the action in advance will ensure more people will get involved.

"This date was decided by members as the best possible to enable those who would normally be working during the week to attend," said the group, in a statement issued on its website.

"This action will be initiated at a refinery or storage depot somewhere near you. Anyone wishing to support action is requested to make your way there at the allotted time."