Dublin: There is mounting demand to halt the government’s plan to increase excise duty on petrol and diesel, aimed at controlling fuel price rises. The government intends to fully restore excise duty on petrol and diesel by August.
A survey by AA Ireland reveals that petrol prices rose by two cents this month, bringing the cost to €1.83 per litre, while diesel prices fell by two cents to €1.76 per litre. However, fully restoring the excise duty will cause prices to surge again.
Since the beginning of the year, petrol prices have increased by 15 cents and diesel prices by 7 cents. The planned excise duty hike will add 4 cents to the price of petrol and 3 cents to diesel. Consequently, diesel prices will reach €1.80 per litre, and petrol prices will rise to €1.90 per litre.
Michael Kilcoyne, chairman of the Consumers Association, urges Finance Minister Michael McGrath to reconsider the excise duty hike, emphasising the substantial financial pressure on the public.
“People are still under immense financial strain. The cost of living continues to rise for ordinary people, with food prices climbing steadily. Household heating and cooking costs are among the highest in Europe,” said the association.
The association calls for immediate action to prevent further increases in fuel costs, which would exacerbate the already high cost of living in Ireland.
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