Protests against fuel prices blocked highways across Europe Tuesday.

Protests against fuel prices blocked highways across Europe Tuesday and as pumps ran dry in Britain Prime Minister Tony Blair vowed tough action to move supplies through blockades. Hauliers furious at high prices and taxes promised more wildcat action across the continent. Protests began in Germany and more were likely in Spain and Ireland. Although crude oil prices dropped more than $1.30 a barrel, oil traders warned that market fundamentals pointed to continuing high prices in spite of an OPEC pledge to increase production. Panic buying swept Britain, draining the few remaining supplies of fuel. In the worst hit areas, rubbish went uncollected and hospitals canceled non-emergency services. "Whatever the strength of feeling there can be no excuse whatever for this type of action which is hurting our people, businesses and emergency services severely," Blair told a news conference after cutting short a visit to northern England. "Legitimate protest is one thing, trying to bring the country to a halt is quite another," he said, adding that he hoped the situation would be on the way back to normal within 24 hours. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries decided Sunday to raise output by 800,000 barrels per day. European Union foreign ministers said Tuesday that OPEC's latest output increase should help stabilize world oil prices. The bloc's transport ministers said they would meet next week to discuss the impact of high prices.