WITH terrorists threatening to throw the international oil market into chaos and undermine efforts to restore security in the Middle East, it seems somewhat small-minded to quibble over 2p on the cost of a litre of petrol.

To bring parts of our road network to gridlock over that 2p seems somewhat excessive.

To be a party leader in support of such protests, which will have a detrimental impact on our economy, seems somewhat irresponsible.

Michael Howard has not done himself, nor his party, any favours by giving credence to a handful of self-important individuals seemingly spurred on more by a desire to cause disruption than devotion to a cause.

Mr Howard, like the fuel protestors, is guilty of blatant political opportunism.

The latest volatility in the oil market is the combination of international events and tensions largely beyond the control of the British Government.

This is the time to lend support to efforts to restore stability in the world markets. To choose to exploit the situation a few days ahead of important elections is an gross error of judgement on Mr Howard's part, and one he may live to regret.

Of course, it is legitimate to question the need to raise petrol duty in September. If the price of crude oil continues to rise, then increases in VAT and tax revenues from the oil firms may negate the Treasury's need to raise duty.

But we live in volatile times. No one can determine, with any degree of certainty, the price of crude oil in three months time.

The most sensible option is the one adopted by the Government: to wait and see what happens in the oil markets.

Mr Howard is best advised to lend his support to such an option, rather than incite those who prefer to use direct action rather than democratic means to make their voices heard.