Carbon tax hike leaves people with 'impossible choice' between food and heat

As the prices of consumer goods and utilities continue to surge, an increasing number of people in Ireland are having to choose between food and heating, charities have warned.  Stock picture

The increase in carbon tax which came into effect today will impact those on the lowest incomes the most and will leave some tasked with an “impossible choice” between food and heat, charities have warned.

The carbon tax saw a rise of €7.50 to €41 per tonne of CO2 in last October’s budget but was postponed until this month on home heating fuels such as coal, peat, natural gas, and home heating oil.