The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) is calling on Government to cancel all planned fuel price increases for the next 12 months and to leave in place, the temporary excise cut on petrol and diesel which is due to expire on 31st August 2026.
IPRA made this call following the recent sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices linked to heightened instability in global oil markets and the wider conflict in the Middle East.
David Blevings said,” Retailers and motorists are already under severe pressure, with fuel remaining an essential daily expense for households, commuters, rural communities, farmers, hauliers and small businesses. Unfortunately, recent activity in the Middle East has seen diesel prices increase by over 20cpl since the end of June. Any further increase in excise, carbon tax or related fuel charges would deepen the burden on consumers and undermine competitiveness at a time of uncertainty”.
The Association said these measures are also necessary to protect border county forecourts, which are at risk of losing customers to cheaper fuel prices in Northern Ireland, further weakening local rural service stations and the communities they support.
Responding to comments about local prices increasing quickly, David said, “the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee (CCPC) reported that independent forecourt retailers are price takers, not price setters. The CCPC’s findings show that recent fuel-price increases were driven by wholesale and international costs, not by competition issues or profiteering, and that taxation remains a major factor in what consumers ultimately pay at the pump”.
“IPRA must be included at the table in any discussions on fuel pricing and policy as the voice of the independent retailer. The UK Government has moved to delay planned fuel-tax rises in response to rising fuel costs, and Ireland should now adopt a similar approach to provide immediate certainty for the next 12 months”
As part of IPRA’s lobbying they have written to several Ministers asking for;
– An immediate freeze on all scheduled fuel-related tax increases for 12 months;
– No further excise or carbon tax increases on petrol, diesel or marked gas oil during that period;
– A formal role for IPRA in discussions on fuel policy, pricing and taxation; and
– A review of fuel pricing policy to protect consumers, border forecourts and essential economic activity.