Panic buying and blockades leave Cork facing severe petrol and diesel shortages

Fuel shortages are intensifying across Cork, with multiple service stations now running dry as protests continue to block key supply routes.

Industry figures have warned the situation could deteriorate rapidly, with up to 40 forecourts already out of fuel nationwide — a figure that “could touch 100 by the end of the day” if blockades persist.

Munster has been particularly badly affected, with Cork at the centre of the crisis due to the ongoing blockade of the Whitegate refinery in east Cork — the only facility in Ireland that produces petrol and diesel from crude oil.

Approximately one third of the country’s fuel supply comes through Whitegate, while additional terminals in Foynes, Co Limerick, and Galway — both also blockaded — supply large parts of the west and south.

“Blockades at three major terminals in Cork, Limerick and Galway mean that approximately half of Ireland’s fuel supplies cannot be distributed to service stations,” Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, said.

He warned that the number of forecourts without fuel is “growing by the hour”, with shortages likely to persist into next week even if access to depots is restored soon.

“All these places are filled by Foynes,” Mr Jennings said, adding that panic buying is compounding the problem, with some retailers now limiting sales to €50 per customer.

“Most independent retailers would have three to four days supply max… They would have expected deliveries on Tuesday, couldn't get them on Wednesday, can't get them today.” In Cork, the impact is already being felt on the ground, with queues forming at forecourts and some stations running out entirely.

One queue of vehicles was reported stretching from a petrol station in Blackpool onto the nearby dual carriageway.

Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartlan said Cork has been “particularly badly hit”, with panic buying in the city worsening shortages.

Some stations are now restricting how much fuel customers can purchase in a single transaction, while motorists have been urged to avoid topping up unless necessary.

“We’ll be in a much better position tomorrow,” Mr McPartlan said, adding that supply could recover within days once access to Whitegate and other terminals is restored.

“It's not an existential threat to supply.” 

Protesters gather at Whitegate oil refinery to protest rising fuel prices. Picture: Noel Sweeney

However, he warned that delays in responding to the blockades have made the situation more severe.

“We waited too long,” he said, noting that while the Defence Forces have now been authorised to assist gardaí in clearing access to key sites, there had been no sign of action on the ground by midday.

“I don't know what the delay is, but I think they need to hurry on. Because if this goes on for much longer, we'll have a number more forecourts running out.”

Even when blockades are lifted, he said, it will take time to replenish stations due to limited tanker capacity and the scale of demand.

The shortages are also impacting other sectors, with home heating oil suppliers warning customers that stocks are already depleted.

Meanwhile, areas across the wider Munster region are reporting acute shortages, including parts of north Cork and neighbouring Kerry, with issues reported in Tralee, Listowel, Abbeydorney, Lixnaw and Newmarket.

Mr Jennings warned rural communities are being particularly affected, with motorists forced to travel long distances in search of fuel.

“You’re looking at a real problem… it could easily be early next week before some places manage to have fuel back,” he said.

While both industry representatives expressed sympathy with those protesting rising fuel costs, Mr McPartlan questioned the impact of blocking critical infrastructure.

“Is their aim to stop ambulances having fuel to get to emergencies? Is it to stop ESB workers getting to sites to keep the energy supply going?” he said.

“I have huge empathy with their concerns… but they’ve really badly got this one wrong.” 

As pressure mounts, calls are growing for urgent action to restore access to key fuel depots and ease the strain on Cork and the wider region.