Petrol, diesel and cigarette prices increase today

Petrol, diesel and cigarettes have all increased in price overnight as the first tax hikes of Budget 2012 came into effect.

At midnight, increases of 25 cent on a pack of cigarettes and 1.4 cents to a litre of petrol and 1.6 cents to a litre of diesel.

Both of those measures were supported by the rebel TD Patrick Nulty and it was not until the fourth Budget vote of the night, on the VAT hike from January, that he climbed the steps and turned to the right with the Opposition.

However, Minister Noonan signalled on TV last night that the major issue Deputy Nulty protested against, the cuts to some disability welfare payments, are being looked at again by the Coalition.

Minister Noonan also announced measures to kickstart the property market next year in the form of extra mortgage interest relief.