FUEL protesters from Gwent are getting ready to join an M4 slow-drive tomorrow to voice their anger at rising fuel prices.

A 20mph rolling blockade is being organised by South Wales Hauliers Association and could cause chaos across Gwent.

But yesterday's national protest against rising fuel prices fell flat today, with tiny groups of campaigners meeting across the country.

Barely more than a dozen people met at any one place, despite Tuesday's panic buying at the pumps.

Experts said petrol prices were likely to fall from their current average of 96p a litre as refineries start pumping extra oil stocks following the intervention of the International Energy Agency.

Chris Hunt, director general of the UK Petroleum Industry Association, said prices could ease by 3p or 4p as this starts to enter the system.

Today's South Wales convoy of lorries will leave Cross Hands at 7am and should arrive at Magor services by 11am before turning back down.

Mike Greene, one of the organisers, said: "If everybody turns up we will have at least one hundred, possibly two hundred. It will be huge."

Mr Greene said six Newport firms confirmed they are supporting the drive. Doug Pingel, who runs Pingels Transport Services, said: "I'm not sure how much of an effect it will have but I just want to shake my fist at the government.

"Fuel prices are going up and our clients are paying less. Some jobs I've been getting less than the minimum wage once expenses are factored in."

The protest comes as fuel prices in parts of South Wales top £1 a litre. Protest organisers predict drivers will be paying up to £1.50 a litre in six months time if the government does not take action.

Howard Rees, of Duck Automotive, Portskewett, said: "I am 110% behind the slow-drive."

As a one-man firm he said he cannot afford to take part in the protests and is worried about industry backlash, but said the petrol increases hit small businesses hardest.

"It's a huge problem for us - I've cut back from 55 lorries to one in the last ten years and even now diesel prices are a worry."

Many Newport firms are still undecided about whether to take part in the protest but are keen to send lorries if they are not booked for jobs on the day.

Mr Greene said: "Hauliers, farmers and the general public are all affected."

He is urging the undecided to get behind their protest.

Earlier this week the threat of protests saw panic-buying at the pumps. Many Gwent garages ran dry, but fuel shipments were not disrupted.