The Irish government is set to hold an emergency cabinet meeting as fuel cost protests continue to disrupt supply and threaten critical services across the country.
Demonstrations began earlier in the week, led by hauliers and agricultural contractors angered by rising petrol and diesel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. What started as slow-moving convoys on major roads has since escalated into blockades affecting important infrastructure, including partial disruptions at Ireland’s only oil refinery and restricted access to multiple fuel depots.
The situation has led to shortages at petrol stations, with authorities urging the public not to panic buy as supplies tighten.
Police, supported by the armed forces, intervened on Saturday to clear a blockade at the Whitegate Refinery in southern Ireland. Authorities described the move as a last resort.
Finance Minister Simon Harris said the government had been in talks with representatives from the transport and agricultural sectors and was finalising a “significant support package” to address the crisis.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the continued protests, saying that while rising fuel costs were a legitimate concern, no group had the right to disrupt the country to such an extent.
