A Submission from The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) ahead of Budget 2025
Introduction
The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) was set up to assist independent petrol retailers in 2008 as there was no dedicated lobby group for the sector. It has gone from strength to strength and is now seen as the main lobbying group for independent forecourt retailers.
Our mission is to ensure the survival and growth of independently owner forecourt service stations across our nation. The local station is the lifeblood of the local community in rural Ireland, and they support local sporting clubs including the GAA. They were the only retail business operating fully during the Covid pandemic.
If independent Stations are forced to close this will result in reduced competition in the longer term.
Taxation
IPRA accepts that carbon taxation is necessary to drive the shift away from fossil fuels, however we see the need for a ‘just transition’ that works for all. While we all welcomed the temporary reductions in excise duty post Ukraine invasion, consumers are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and the recent excise restoration has caused havoc for our retailers in border locations.
As of today, our members in Donegal tell us that they are c.16cpl more expensive for diesel than a station in Northern Ireland. While locals are filling up their cars in the North, they are also purchasing groceries, minerals, and alcohol – this is all lost revenue to the State.
Budget Asks.
- The industry has asked for a taskforce to be set up to review future taxation on fossil fuels as changes will have to be made with the introduction of EV’s.
- Pending this review the IPRA are asking for a temporary reduction of vat to 15% to ensure that border stations can survive.
- The IPRA are also asking that the Rates appeal system be urgently reviewed as its taking too long to hear the cases and this uncertainty is causing a major burden for our members.
Irish Petrol Retailers Association