Irish Examiner view: Delay in fuel supports at odds with speed of price hikes

It is unfortunate that the consumer always seems to be the one paying the price

Taoiseach Micheál Martin stressed that the measures are “targeted and temporary”, and dependent on how the conflict in the Middle East progresses. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

The Government’s support package for consumers, hard pressed by the rising price of fuel, came into effect at midnight, with excise on petrol falling by 15c per litre and excise on diesel falling by 20c. These reductions will remain in place until May 31 — while the fuel allowance will be extended for April, which will benefit 420,000 households.

This move is not before time, given the sharp spike in fuel prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Taoiseach Micheál Martin stressed that the measures are “targeted and temporary”, and dependent on how that conflict progresses.