Soaring fuel costs - Government has a role

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar yesterday ruled out cutting taxes on petrol or diesel to soften spiralling costs.

Some predictions suggest that petrol may hit €2 a litre this year. This milestone would have huge consequences for business, job creation and families.

Price increases, according to the AA, cost an average €18.75 a month for petrol users and €23.85 a month for diesel. The AA also suggested that the large increases were caused by Government, with 4 cent duty per litre added in the last budget.