SALES have shot up for a car parts firm supplying jerricans to drivers filling up as the country stands on the brink of another fuel crisis.

APB Trading Ltd, of Hartlebury Trading Estate, has been inundated with calls from across the country for its stock of jerricans.

The service, repair and parts firm has a long tradition of stocking thousands of jerricans.

But managing director Phillip Bond cannot remember such demand from drivers.

Mr Bond, who is receiving orders from as far afield as Scotland, said: "The demand is much higher than the first crisis two months ago.

"Drivers are obviously aware the Government is not going to relent on cutting fuel tax and are expecting more blockades.

"People who have come to me are mystified why the Government won't change its mind.

"I should imagine there are going to be plenty of people stocking up this weekend."

Chancellor Gordon Brown is resisting protesters demands for a 26p a litre cut in fuel duty.

He has warned there will not be any "irresponsible" pre-election spending spree and warned any concession on fuel duty would result in a rise in interest rates.