'Prolonging disruption will only deepen damage': Firms call for end to fuel blockade

The protests have led to many forecourts running out of fuels and increasing concern from businesses. Picture: Larry Cummins

Business groups representing the retail and construction sectors have called for an end to the blockading of oil refineries by protesters, stating that “prolonging the disruption will only deepen the damage” done. 

Over the last few days, protesters have been blocking up city streets, motorways, and access to oil refineries in an attempt to force the Government to make large cuts to excise duties on fuel.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government will not engage with the protesters. Gardaí have been dispatched to deal with the refinery blockades, with the army being asked for support.

The protests have led to many forecourts running out of fuels and increasing concern from businesses.

Retail Excellence Ireland has said that retail trade in some areas has fallen by as much as 50% as a result of the disruption caused by the fuel blockades. 

The chief executive of Retail Excellence Ireland, Jean McCabe, said that, while they understand the pressure being experienced by hauliers and farmers, “retailers face similar challenges”.

“The hard reality is that the actions being taken to highlight those pressures are now threatening the livelihoods of thousands of other businesses and workers right across the country,” she said.

Drop in urban footfall

She said that footfall in urban centres such as Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Limerick is down by approximately 50%, with retail trade down between 30% and 50%, “the sharpest single-day decline many retailers have experienced”.

In addition, she said that the disruption is causing pressure — particularly for their members operating in the grocery and fresh food sector, which have been absorbing the increased costs from deliveries, overtime, and additional surcharges.

“If these blockades continue, those costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, creating food inflation at a time when household budgets are already under enormous strain," she said.

Ms McCabe called on all sides to have a “constructive dialogue” as “prolonging the disruption will only deepen the damage”.

On the construction side, the chief executive of the Construction Industry Federation, Andrew Brownlee, said sites cannot operate without fuel for essential machinery such as diggers and mobile cranes, adding that the blockade of fuel depots and the oil refinery “must end”.

“There is serious concern about fuel supply for site machinery over the coming weeks. If this continues, there is a real danger that sites will come to a halt. The spike in fuel costs is already placing significant pressure on construction companies,” he said.

The federation is calling on the Government to further reduce excise duties on fuel as well as the removal of Vat on fuel.

“The construction industry remains fully committed to delivering Ireland’s essential housing and infrastructure projects. Every effort must be made to protect and maintain this vital national roadmap of absolutely essential public works,” Mr Brownlee added.