A CAB driver in Ellesmere Port says the soaring cost of fuel is having a devastating effect on the taxi trade.
But he says he still won't back petrol protests.
Gary Woodward, secretary of Ellesmere Port Hackney Carriage Association, fears cabbies will eventually have to pass fuel increases on to passengers in order to survive.
But he is firmly against blockades and believes such action puts a strain on the country.
Mr Woodward said: 'While I'd love to see a decrease in the price of fuel I don't personally believe that blockades are the right action. I fear it has a destabilising effect on the area and country as a whole.
'The cause I agree with but the action isn't something I'd get involved with.'
He added: 'The increases have hit our trade harder than anyone else as we get no relief from the Government. We've had to bear the brunt of it and try to plod along.
'We've hung fire and not passed the increases on, which means it's hitting us in the pocket.
'It's a serious knock-on effect where everyone suffers and is in danger of spiralling out of control.'
The future of small firms in Cheshire is also in jeopardy if they have to continue to absorb the increasing fuel prices, warns the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Steve Collie, FSB transport chairman, said: 'We accept that prices are bound to increase.
'But, at cost price, UK fuel is the cheapest in Europe. It is only after fuel duty and VAT are added that it becomes the second most expensive.'
