HAULIERS and taxi firms across Gwent are already starting to feel the pinch of the rise in petrol prices.

And they all fear fuel prices will continue to soar as the likelihood of a war against Iraq increases.

Tony Conibeer, (pictured) a driver for Newport-based Dragon Taxis, spends about £120 a week on petrol.

Mr Conibeer, who took part in the protest against fuel prices nearly two years ago, said: "The cost will have to be passed on to the customers eventually and it's all because of a war nobody wants.

"All the drivers will be worried about it if fares have to go up."

Dave Jones, a director of Gerry Jones Transport, a haulage firm in Cross Keys, said: "We are concerned about the petrol prices, but we're trying not to pass it on to our customers. "Prices have gone up sharply over the last couple of weeks and are going up daily. You don't need a crystal ball to predict they're going to go up further."

And Paul Clifford, owner of the Newport-based Attewell hauliers, said: "What can you do? You've got to grin and bear it.

"Even if we don't go to war they'll hike the price up and use it as a scapegoat. "It will have an effect on everybody. Our rates will go up to compensate and the customer won't be happy."

Fuel prices are on the rise across Gwent. June Phillips, manager of Llewellyn's garage, on Blackwood's High Street, said prices at the petrol station had gone up 2p in the last two weeks. "We're just the workers, it's the big companies who decide if the prices are going to go up," she said.

Leanne Gill, manager of LJ Cook and Sons petrol station, Brynmawr, confirmed their prices had just gone up again.

"It's gone up 4p, although LRP has stayed the same. I think it will go up again with the threat of war."

And businesses remain fearful of more rises. Avril Coleman, of C and M Haulage, Talywain, said: "It's a struggle - and if we go to war the prices will go sky high."