Hauliers warn diesel prices could pass €2 per litre

Say grocery prices and construction materials will increase as a result

The association is calling for temporary relief on fuel excise and related charges to offset what it describes as a looming affordability challenge for the wider economy.

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is urging the Government to introduce temporary supports, warning diesel prices are likely to reach and surpass €2 per litre due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The group said escalating tensions in the Middle East will almost certainly push pump prices, increasing costs across groceries, construction materials and transport, with particular pressure on rural and small businesses. 

Hauliers are calling on the government to temporarily suspend some of the taxes, charges and levies on fuel prices until the situation in the Middle East is resolved.

IRHA President Ger Hyland said most of the pump price of diesel is made up of Government-imposed excise duties, carbon taxes, VAT and other levies.

The association is calling for temporary relief on fuel excise and related charges to offset what it describes as a looming affordability challenge for the wider economy.

"Everything you buy — groceries, furniture, clothes and building materials — arrives by truck. If our fuel costs rise significantly, the price of those goods will increase," he said.

Mr Hyland said hauliers may require a scheme similar to the Licensed Haulage Emergency Support Scheme (LHESS), introduced in 2022, which provided supports for hauliers following surging fuel costs in the wake of the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Mr Hyland also said comments made by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, appeared somewhat out of touch. The Taoiseach had stated there is no justification for rising prices at the pumps, noting that most Irish oil comes from the North Sea and emphasising that price gouging is not acceptable. 

Mr Hyland said pump prices have already risen and questioned what the Taoiseach and his government plans to do about it.