Ireland Announces Fuel Tax Cuts as Protests Erupt Over Soaring Oil Prices
Following protests by Irish hauliers over high oil prices that threatened emergency services, the Irish government has announced tax cuts on petrol and diesel.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 13:32
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Central News Agency, London, 12th (Comprehensive Foreign Report) - After protests by Irish hauliers over high oil prices threatened the operation of national emergency services, the Irish government announced tax cuts on petrol and diesel following a cabinet meeting today.
Agence France-Presse reports that in the face of soaring oil prices sparked by the war in the Middle East, Irish hauliers and agricultural contractors have been staging a series of demonstrations since the 7th.
Minister for Finance Simon Harris stated at a press conference today: 'The government has heard you. We have taken action, and we will take further measures today.'
The announced measures include a 10 euro cent per litre tax cut on diesel and petrol, and the postponement of a planned carbon tax increase, originally set for May, until the budget in October.
The protests last week included slow-moving convoys on motorways and obstructing traffic on Dublin's busiest streets, which later escalated to blockading Ireland's only oil refinery and at least two fuel storage facilities.
As of today, some protests were still ongoing, with the demonstrations entering their sixth day. Many petrol stations have run out of fuel, and the government had earlier urged the public not to panic buy.
Yesterday, police, supported by the armed forces, were deployed to maintain public order and clear the blockade at the Whitegate refinery in southern Ireland.
Irish Police Commissioner Justin Kelly said that the act of blockading 'critical national infrastructure' had 'caused fuel shortages, directly impacting emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and fire services.'
He condemned the blockade of the refinery as an 'illegal act' and stated it was carried out by people determined to 'hold the country to ransom.' (Translation: Chi Chin-ling) 1150413
Agence France-Presse reports that in the face of soaring oil prices sparked by the war in the Middle East, Irish hauliers and agricultural contractors have been staging a series of demonstrations since the 7th.
Minister for Finance Simon Harris stated at a press conference today: 'The government has heard you. We have taken action, and we will take further measures today.'
The announced measures include a 10 euro cent per litre tax cut on diesel and petrol, and the postponement of a planned carbon tax increase, originally set for May, until the budget in October.
The protests last week included slow-moving convoys on motorways and obstructing traffic on Dublin's busiest streets, which later escalated to blockading Ireland's only oil refinery and at least two fuel storage facilities.
As of today, some protests were still ongoing, with the demonstrations entering their sixth day. Many petrol stations have run out of fuel, and the government had earlier urged the public not to panic buy.
Yesterday, police, supported by the armed forces, were deployed to maintain public order and clear the blockade at the Whitegate refinery in southern Ireland.
Irish Police Commissioner Justin Kelly said that the act of blockading 'critical national infrastructure' had 'caused fuel shortages, directly impacting emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and fire services.'
He condemned the blockade of the refinery as an 'illegal act' and stated it was carried out by people determined to 'hold the country to ransom.' (Translation: Chi Chin-ling) 1150413