Madrid - Protests against high fuel prices spread Friday in Spain, where independent freight transporters launched an indefinite strike.

Hundreds of lorries blocked a highway leading to the Catalan capital Barcelona. Catalan farmers also used tractors to hamper traffic, and lorry drivers staged similar protests in the eastern Valencia region.

The demonstrators are demanding cuts in fuel-related taxes, a proposal that the government has rejected.

Rising fuel costs could kills thousands of jobs, the protesters said. Other transport unions have announced a strike from Monday.

Fishermen have been striking for a week for the same reason. There was concern that the strikes could lead to shortages at fish markets and petrol stations. (dpa)