Fuel prices fallout

Soaring fuel prices have underlined all the week's biggest stories.

Monday saw hauliers clogging up the nation's roads with their protests over plans to raise fuel duty by 2p this autumn. Ministers subsequently hinted this may now be delayed.

Then came the row over nuclear energy on Wednesday, with prime minister Gordon Brown placing his focus on the long-term supply-demand balance at the heart of the problem. His suggestion that the expansion should be accelerated beyond existing levels sparked further debate.

Finally, on Friday the government responded to concerns about the domestic impact of high fuel bills by announcing a series of measures to address fuel poverty.

Ofgem's critical response underlined the importance of the issue – and its sensitivity – at the end of a week dominated by a single issue.

Yet again the government is finding domestic politics is being shaped by developments in the global economy. Although it has taken steps to show it is aware of the problem, not all are convinced it is listening to their concerns.