The petrol crisis hit manufacturers' output levels last month although the sector showed modest overall growth.

The monthly survey carried out by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply showed the UK manufacturing economy strengthened slightly last month.

But the figures were still well down on the comparable time last year.

The CIPS purchasing managers' index, based on a range of questions to manufacturers, registered 51.6 in September, compared with 51.8 in August.

Any number above 50 in the index indicates growth while a number below 50 shows the sector is contracting.

The fuel crisis, along with subdued demand, meant output slowed sharply in September - to 50.8 compared with 52.6 in August - hitting a three-month low.

While the level of new orders continued to rise, the growth rate slowed as the weak euro continued to hit orders to Europe.

The CIPS new orders index was at 51.9 in September, against 52.7 in August - the 18th month in a row orders have been up.

As costs rose and demand remained weak, manufacturers were forced to shed jobs.

The CIPS employment index was at 48.4 in September (49.5 in August).

Suppliers' delivery times fell significantly to 40 in the index.

This is the lowest level since May 1995, with supplier capacity constraints and commodity shortages blamed for the delays.

The fuel shortages and protests by hauliers were all reported to have caused delays and disrupted deliveries.

Roy Ayliffe, director of professional practice at CIPS, said: "The fuel crisis placed UK purchasing managers under immense pressure during September.

"In response to this, purchasing managers acted strategically, satisfying demand from their stocks and avoiding increased purchasing."

He added: "The sharp lengthening of delivery times seen during the month hints that the full impact of the fuel crisis may be still to appear."