Spanish drivers in fuel protest
Petrol stations in Madrid and the Catalonia region have begun running out of fuel as an indefinite strike by truckers begins to take hold.
Antonio Onieva, president of Madrid's station owners organisation, said 15% of the Spanish capital's outlets have run out of fuel.
Manuel Amado, president of Catalonia's owners' federation, said 40% of Catalonia's 1,714 stations have sold out.
The stoppage, which began on Sunday, led to lengthy queues at many petrol stations across the country as drivers rushed to fill up.
Truckers also blocked a number of roads around the country, including some leading into the centre of Barcelona and the border with France.
"We are the ones who move the goods that this country needs to keep working. If we stop because we haven't got the money to buy fuel then the country will stop," Julio Villascusa, president of the transport association Fenadismer, said.
He said more than 90,000 drivers have been called to take part in the strike. Representatives of the organisation and Development Ministry officials met on Monday but failed to reach any agreement.
The strike was not expected to have a major effect on city food markets until later in the week.
A strike by fishermen strike across Spain also protesting fuel costs has entered a second week. News reports said smaller boats that fish closer to the coast had now joined the protest, which began on May 30.
