Lib Dems accuse Howard of “irresponsibility”
Liberal Democrat spokesman Ed Davey has accused the Conservative leader of irresponsibility.
Michael Howard has previously suggested that he may support any new fuel protests.
Mr Davey said: “It is the height of irresponsibility for the leader of the Conservative Party to encourage fuel protests.”
Speaking on Wednesday morning to the BBC, Michael Howard said he understood why people might wish to protest when the current moratorium on the annual Fuel Duty Escalator ends in September- effectively putting two pence on petrol prices.
Mr Howard said: “I think that as long as they are peaceful and within the law they may well be supported. People are entitled to protest in a peaceful way.
“I can understand that people might be very angry indeed if the Government were to proceed with an increase in fuel duty.
“I have already asked the Prime Minister to make it clear that it won’t happen.
“Just last year Gordon Brown said that because of the high level and volatility of oil prices the increase in duty, which he was then proposing, should be put off.
“Oil prices are much higher than they were then and this increase should be put off.”
Mr Davey sharply attacked the comments, saying: “During the last fuel protests millions of people had their lives disrupted and thousands of businesses lost millions.
“For a former Home Secretary to incite such disruption is astounding. Mr Howard’s naked opportunism just days before an election will backfire.
“People have a legitimate right to protest, but responsible politicians should not encourage action that has been shown to bring the country to a standstill in the past. Mr Howard’s judgement is in severe doubt.
“This hike in world oil prices has been caused, not in small measure, by Tony Blair and George Bush’s war in Iraq.
“The continuing chaos in Iraq, instability in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and attempts by Al Qaida to destabilise the Saudi regime, are all having a serious effect on oil prices.
“Michael Howard would do well to remember that he and his Party were the principal cheerleaders to Tony Blair for military action in Iraq.”
Oil prices eased slightly on Wednesday lunchtime after Saudi Arabia promised to increase production.
However, prices are still at the top end of the market at over $38 a barrel.
The official Organisations of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) target price range is between $22-28 dollars a barrel.
