The manager of a Clare filling station has criticised the Government for responding too slowly to rising fuel prices.
Crude oil prices have surged above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time in four years, as ongoing tensions involving Iran disrupt key energy infrastructure and export routes.
The cost of oil’s risen above one hundred dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022, raising concerns about higher fuel, heating and transport costs.
The increase comes as the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, remains effectively closed.
Strikes on oil infrastructure in the ongoing US Israeli war on Iran led to the spike in cost overnight.
Pressure is growing on the government to help consumers here, as diesel prices have risen to over two euro per litre at some forecourts.
Manager of O’Sullivan & Hansbury in Ennis, Kevin Horgan, says fuel providers are powerless to control prices and warns that further increases are likely.
The Irish Road Hauliers Association is threatening to block roads in protest over what it’s described as government price gouging, unless pump prices come down.
The group says the industry is about to collapse due to the rise in fuel costs and increased tolls.
Its president, Ger Hyland, claims the government is receiving more than 65 per cent of the price of a litre of petrol and over 60 per cent of a litre of diesel through tax.
Meanwhile, the President of the European Commission says the conflict in Iran poses ‘existential questions’ for the future of European security and unity.
Ursula Von Der Leyen is warning the situation is ‘precarious’ for the EU.
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