Fears were mounting last night that workers at the Grangemouth oil refinery could go back on strike within days, raising the prospect of further disruption to motorists and a prolonged period of uncertainty for the economy.

As the 1,200 striking workers prepared to end their industrial action yesterday, oil prices surged to a record high on world markets of just under $120 (£60) a barrel, driven by growing anxieties over threats to supply, including the strike in Scotland and problems in Nigeria. ... Read full article