HUNDREDS of soldiers are preparing to stand in for petrol tanker drivers threatening strike action next month.
The Army and police are on stand-by to ensure fuel deliveries do not grind to a halt.
Motorists already facing record fuel prices will be concerned at any prospect of a fuel shortage or a repeat of the lengthy queues at petrol stations in 2000 when tanker drivers took industrial action.
The result of a strike ballot of 2000 tanker drivers is about to be announced and a strike could begin from April 3.
It came as the SNP said they would table an amendment to the Budget Bill for a fuel duty regulator to be created.
The move was announced after prices reached a record high last week, two days after the Chancellor of the Exchequer had said fuel duty would increase as planned from August.
Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said the Government had "learnt the lessons" of the past and stood ready to act if the Unite union votes to walk out.
Announcing the training of military personnel, he said: "We are calling on the trade union Unite and the employers involved to work together to reach an agreement that will avert industrial action.
"Widespread strike action affecting fuel supply at our supermarkets, garages and airports could cause disruption across the country.
"We have learnt the lessons of the past and stand ready to act to minimise disruption to motorists, to industry and, in particular, to our emergency services, in the event of a strike."
Unite said there had been "unrelenting attacks" on drivers' terms and conditions, adding that the union had been trying to establish a forum to agree industry-wide best practice on issues such as safety and training.
The SNP has confirmed it will bring forward an amendment to the Budget Bill to introduce a fuel duty regulator.
The mechanism – which was supported by the Tories in opposition – would freeze fuel duty increases as oil prices rise with a parallel reduction in duty to match the extra revenue from VAT from higher pump prices. The Road Haulage Association has backed the proposal.
In the Budget, George Osborne said there would be no change to his plans to increase fuel duty from August.
The price of petrol broke the 140p-a-litre barrier for the first time on Friday. The average price at the pumps has now reached 140.20p a litre, with diesel at a new record of 146.72p, according to the AA.
Petrol prices have now risen more than 2.75p a litre in just three weeks while the cost was only 132.25p a litre at the beginning of the year; diesel stood at an average of 140.56p.
The SNP's Treasury spokesman, Stewart Hosie, said: "While the Tories prioritise a tax cut for the rich there was nothing in the Budget to help hard-pressed motorists with the soaring cost of fuel.
"We now urgently need, not just a cut in duty, but the introduction of a fuel duty regulator to permanently bring prices under control. With the bulk of the pump price made up of tax, the Treasury must stop this highway robbery because soaring fuel prices are hindering economic recovery.
"In 2008, George Osborne launched plans for a 'Fair Fuel Stabiliser', describing it as a 'common sense plan'. As well as being common sense, it is fair for Scotland, given that we pay among the highest fuel prices in Europe even as Scottish oil revenues surge into the UK Exchequer."
Mr Hosie added: "If West-minster will not act, the powers should be passed to the Scottish Parliament so that it can [act]. If Scotland had control of fuel duty, the SNP Government would introduce a fuel duty regulator to lower prices now."
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