Ireland Plans Fuel Duty Cuts to Ease Rising Energy Costs

The Irish government has announced plans to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel in an effort to ease pressure on motorists facing sharp fuel price increases linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The temporary measures, expected to take effect from midnight Wednesday until the end of May, will lower diesel duty by 20 cents per litre and petrol by 15 cents per litre, pending cabinet approval.

Fuel prices have surged in recent days, with diesel rising from around €1.80 per litre to between €2.20 and €2.30, while petrol prices climbed close to €2 per litre. In addition to the duty cuts, authorities are preparing a backdated diesel rebate scheme aimed at supporting hauliers and bus operators, along with reductions for agricultural and green diesel users.

The broader support package, estimated to cost €235 million, will also include targeted energy assistance for pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin noted that recent diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran had helped lower crude oil prices but declined to confirm whether the changes would alter the government’s planned relief measures.

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