The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) expressed their disappointment with the Budget 2026 announcement.
David Blevings, spokesperson for IPRA said, “While no one likes costs increases a further increase in transport costs is just not feasible for some at the present time given the cost-of-living crisis. Yet, Government has increased diesel and petrol costs by 2.5cpl due to a carbon tax increase. The Government estimates that this latest increase in carbon tax will raise an addition €121 million for the exchequer next year, rising to €157 million in a full year.
In addition, forecourt retail employers are all struggling to pay the current minimum wage and this has now been increased by a further 65c as of 1st January 2026. For many businesses this will just mean a reduction in hours for staff and pairing back to skeleton staff – it is unfair for employees to have to choose between keeping the lights on and offering additional hours to their staff.
The increase in petrol and diesel prices will hit workers hard – making it more expensive for many (especially those being mandated back to offices) to get to and from work and their childcare and school drop offs – why are we penalising the workers of Ireland yet again? Employers needing to transport good, services and employees around the country will also be hit hard by this. Why are all those willing to get out of bed early being hit the hardest?
The petrol and diesel increase will further decimate retailers in our border counties as it further broadens the differential in fuel price between Northern Ireland and the Republic. This now stands at up to 20cpl making fuel sales near impossible for a station close to the NI border. Members are losing out on fuel sales, and the differential encourages wider cross border shopping.
We are calling on the Government to reconsider the increase in petrol and diesel costs and to introduce a temporary reduction for stations in border locations. If they do not, they can expect to see the heart of many towns and villages ripped out as the local fuel station closes”, added David
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