Irish fuel retailers are bracing for significant price hikes in the coming days, with diesel set to increase by as much as 6.99 cent per litre and petrol by 3.02 cent, according to the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA).
The increases, slated to take effect over two nights beginning tonight, were communicated to CSNA members by fuel suppliers, according to Vincent Jennings, President of the association. He described the rises as “absolutely horrendous” and “an extraordinary increase,” emphasizing that retailers simply pass on the wholesale costs they are charged.
“We’re not the makers of the price. The makers of the price are the people who are supplying it to us,” Jennings stated, defending retailers against accusations of profiteering. He explained that fuel suppliers provide daily, and sometimes two-day advance, notice of price changes, leaving retailers with little flexibility.
The impending price increases come as hauliers in Ireland paused threats of protest action following talks with Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien. The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) secured assurances of “substantial support” for the sector, to be announced next week, in response to the recent surge in fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
IRHA President Ger Hyland indicated that protest action is suspended until Tuesday evening, contingent on the details of the government’s support package. “Our members are calling for action, so unless we have something to bring to our members worthwhile, next Tuesday, there will be action,” he said.
Minister O’Brien characterized the discussions with the IRHA as “constructive and cordial,” acknowledging the “serious challenges” facing the haulage sector, which he described as “critical to our supply chains and to our economy.” He confirmed that the government is evaluating “various options,” including a reduction in excise duty or an excise rebate, with a proposal to be presented to the Cabinet on Tuesday.
O’Brien explicitly ruled out a temporary suspension of the planned carbon tax increase on fuel.
Fuels for Ireland, an industry representative group, acknowledged the difficulties faced by hauliers but also highlighted the impact of high fuel prices on households, particularly concerning home heating oil. Chief Executive Kevin McPartlan called for “immediate intervention” but also advocated for a “comprehensive review” of fuel taxation and compliance costs in Ireland, suggesting the country has some of the highest fuel prices globally.
Prices at the pump have already exceeded €2 per litre for diesel and are nearing that mark for unleaded petrol across many Irish forecourts.
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