Irish hauliers threaten rolling protests blocking major routes

According to Irish media reports, IRHA says mounting diesel costs, higher tolls and other charges are pushing parts of the sector towards crisis.

The IRHA is calling for a temporary suspension of the carbon tax on fuel and the removal of the M50 toll. The association argues that the tax burden on fuel in Ireland has become too high, saying more than 60% of the price of diesel and more than 65% of petrol consists of tax. It also says Ireland is one of the few EU member states applying a carbon tax of 18.74 cents per litre, with further increases planned by 2030.

According to Waterford News & Star, IRHA president Ger Hyland said the sector was “on the cusp of serious and sustained protests”. He added that if the industry stopped for 72 hours, supermarket shelves would empty, hospitals would struggle to operate, petrol stations would run out of fuel and small businesses across the country would be forced to close.

The warning comes as oil and fuel markets react to the war in Iran and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Irish media have reported diesel prices above €2 per litre in some parts of the country, reviving memories of the support measures introduced during the 2022 fuel shock.

The government has so far stopped short of backing the IRHA’s demand. According to The Journal, Minister of State Thomas Byrne said the government “may well” take action if prices continue to rise, but indicated that cutting the planned carbon tax increase would be “the last thing” he would want to touch. He said ministers would examine the situation over the coming days and consider what supports might directly benefit consumers.

At this stage, no detailed protest timetable appears to have been made public.