The call for a boycott of Esso service stations can only be counter-productive

Esso

Campaigners say that lobbying by Exxon played a major part in President Bush's subsequent decision not to ratify the protocol despite the fact that America accounts for a quarter of all "greenhouse" gas emissions.

The protocol would have obliged the US to cut emissions of the gases, which some scientists believe to be the cause of global warming, by 5% from 1990 levels.

Renewable energy

Ms Jagger said that Esso had "never invested a single penny in renewable energy".

But the company said in a statement that it had previously invested �350m in a range of ventures, including solar power.

"We believe that the type of actions we are taking in our business now, including the development of cleaner fuel technology, leading edge fuel cell research and substantial energy efficiency projects, will make a significant contribution to long-term global emissions reduction," Esso added.

"The call for a boycott of Esso service stations can only be counter-productive in that we do not believe it will have any influence on the US Government - but it could harm the thousands of independent British businessmen and women and their staff who operate their stations in partnership with Esso in the UK."