Fester----my friend and fellow forum reader/writer----I hate it contradicting you,of all people, again. However, I must point out that the fuel blockades you mention were ten years ago, almost to the day. And, actually, fuel is now at about the same price it was two years ago. Before you shout RUBBISH, just check me out. Now, if you want to mention the price of beer sold over a pub counter-------now thats a different matter!!!
Mr Mike ... just to prove to myself that I am not going completely mad, I checked my facts .... because I even remember where I was and what car I was driving at each time these things occurred.
10 years ago, as you rightly say, there were protests, and blockades leading to serious disruption... but that is when the price was approaching 80p a litre.
Protests kicked off again in 2005.
But in 2007, blockades at refineries began again , as the price approached £1 per litre.
Panic buying ensued, and for a few days it was the forefront of the news.
The police were much more organised this time...unions were weaker, and supply was restored to full capacity within days ...the whole thing fizzled out
The price is now £1.20, nothing is heard. The apathy is deafening.
Dave, with all due respect, I have also given presentations in my time on the subject of price elasticity ... and I tell you what, we are pretty damn near the top of that curve right now!
No, I have to re-iterate my original point. That being that prices are flying up, several times a year it seems ... (totally out of proportion to earnings or pensions) ... and it bears no relation to official government statistics.