The deadlock between workers and Grangemouth oil refinery owners over pensions could lead to further industrial action, Unite Union officials have warned.

Around 1,200 staff have now returned to work after a 48-hour walk-out which is believed to have cost the economy £100m.

Fuel supplies have been disrupted and much of the UK's North Sea oil production was halted.

It is expected to be at least a week before the plant is fully operational again.

Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley is expected to meet with Ineos owner Jim Ratcliffe later today.

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This follows talks held yesterday between Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond at the House of Commons; a Downing Street spokesman said they had discussed the steps being taken to resolve the industrial dispute.

Business Secretary John Hutton will visit the refinery today in a bid to find a resolution.

Mr Hutton said: "This strike has caused disruption and inconvenience to the public and it has cost the economy dear.

"It is no accident that Scotland has managed to continue about its business. Praise is in order for the many people and organisations who have acted responsibly and worked to minimise disruption.

"Now is the time for Unite and Ineos to get back to the negotiating table. This is what I will be saying at my meetings and Acas stands ready. This is where this dispute must end."

To avoid fuel shortages over 6,500 tonnes have been made available.

Some petrol station are rationing fuel however only five out of Scotland's 956 filling stations have run out so far.

(GK/NS)