The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) has called on Government not to remove the temporary reduction in fuel duties at the end of July and to freeze any further increases in fuel-related taxes and duties, warning that additional rises would place further pressure on households, businesses, and communities already facing significant cost-of-living challenges.
Fuel remains an essential part of daily life and economic activity, yet recent tax and regulatory changes have already driven pump prices to exceedingly high levels by European standards. The Association said motorists, hauliers, and local businesses are still absorbing the impact of previous increases, while working families and small enterprises continue to face intense financial strain.
The Association also stressed that forecourt retailers are price takers, not price setters, and said further increases would only deepen misunderstanding about fuel pricing and increase concern about retailer abuse. It said retailers have already set out their position to Government on numerous occasions and the previous claims of ‘price gouging’ were unfounded with retailers being vindicated by the recent Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) review.
Particular concern was raised about the impact on border counties, where even modest price differences can drive consumers to purchase fuel across the Border. The Association warned that retailers in counties including Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal could face a growing competitive disadvantage, if the temporary reduction were reversed, with consequences for local forecourts, employment, domestic fuel sales, and Exchequer receipts. The Association said a pause in planned excise duty increases would provide immediate relief, help protect jobs, and support families and small businesses during an exceptionally difficult period.