Shortages put dent in level of April's fuel sales

Pumps at the Circle K filling station on the Blackrock / Monahan Road remained closed today as the blockade of fuel from the refineries and depots continues. Picture John O'Mahony

Fuel sales fell sharply last month, the Central Statistics Office confirmed, driven by shortages experienced across the country last month as a wave of protests and blockades saw filling stations run dry.

New data from the CSO shows the volume of fuel purchased in April fell 2.3% compared to March and by 2.6% compared to April last year.

Despite the drop in volume, the value of fuel sales jumped by more than 10% compared to a year ago, driven by inflation and the impact of the Iran conflict on prices at the pump, which saw diesel prices hit almost €2.30 in March.

The CSO Retail Sales Index, which tracks consumer spending, shows sales fell 0.2% in the month and were down 0.5% over the past year. When the sales of motor vehicles are excluded, the index was down 0.6% in the month and by 0.4% over the past year.

"The Fuel sector experienced a 0.5% monthly value decrease in April 2026 and was up by 10.6% when compared with April 2025," CSO statistician Tommy Allen said. 

"In volume terms, Fuel fell by 2.3% in the month and by 2.6% in the year. Fuel shortages experienced across the country in April 2026, along with reductions in fuel excise duty, likely contributed to the short-term decreases in value and volume, while the annual value increase remains high. 

"The continued divergence of value and volume reflects the inflation currently being experienced in the sector."

Along with fuel, department stores, electrical goods and clothing all recorded monthly declines of more than 2% while Newspapers & Stationery, Food, Beverages & Tobacco, Pharmaceuticals, Medical & Cosmetic Articles, and Bars all recorded increases.