Madrid - Spanish haulers have suspended their week-long strike until further notice, the three freight associations participating in the action announced on Monday.

At the same time, the associations called for fresh negotiations with the government and threatened further protests.

A massive police presence prevented a planned blockade by the truck drivers in the capital Madrid earlier Monday.

Officers stopped hundreds of trucks on their way to a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Transport, radio reports said.

Police action caused heavy traffic jams on some highways. The striking haulers argued they were being held hostage by the state.

The hauliers began protesting rising fuel prices which, they say, eat up to 60 per cent of their income, nearly a week ago. Most are self-employed.

The striking drivers represent only 12 per cent of the total means of transport, according to the Transport Ministry. The government has rejected their demand for guaranteed minimum rates for the freight haulers.

The strike has cost the Spanish economy more than 1 billion euros. The supply situation - wholesale markets, supermarkets and smaller shops ran out of fresh produce last week - has however gradually normalized, according to the government. (dpa)