BackECONOMY
Irish government announces further fuel supports after protests
The Irish government announced two new fuel-support schemes amid nationwide protests. The Road Transporters Supports Scheme (£€120m) targets hauliers and bus/coach operators, while the Fuel Support Scheme (£100m) assists farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers; both are backdated to March and include specific price benchmarks. A communications campaign on energy-cost management was launched, and carbon-tax increases have been delayed as total fuel supports reach €755m in recent months.
Why It Matters
The measures aim to ease costs for key transport and agricultural sectors during a period of rising fuel prices, potentially affecting supply chains and household energy costs while signaling a shift in fiscal policy responses to energy affordability.
Timeline
7 Events
Protests context
April 29, 2026
Nationwide protests in recent weeks saw major motorways and Dublin's main street brought to a standstill; ministers said the package was being worked on before the protests and will be timebound and targeted.
Carbon tax increases delayed
April 29, 2026
Annual planned increases to carbon tax have been delayed.
Total fuel supports spending reported
April 29, 2026
The government notes €755m (£654m) has been spent on fuel supports in recent months, including today’s measures and previous excise duty cuts.
Energy-cost management communications campaign launched
April 29, 2026
A government communications campaign is launched offering advice to households and businesses on how to manage energy costs.
Fuel Support Scheme announced
April 29, 2026
The Fuel Support Scheme, costing €100m, targets farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers. It is backdated to March and runs to the end of July, providing a support rate of about 20 euro cents per litre or €200 per 1,000 litres of marked gas oil (green diesel) based on verified 2025 usage.
Road Transporters Supports Scheme announced
April 29, 2026
The Road Transporters Supports Scheme, worth €120m, targets hauliers and bus and coach operators. It is backdated to March and applies from when average national diesel prices exceed €1.90 per litre. Payments are graduated by fleet size: €1,350 per vehicle for operators with up to five vehicles; €790 for six to 20; and €300 for more than 21.
Earlier excise duty cuts on petrol and diesel announced by government
March 2026
The government had cut excise duty on petrol and diesel in recent months prior to the latest package, as part of fuel-cost relief.