Protesters say they will strangle Irish economy unless government cuts fuel taxes
The Irish government has announced that it will use the army to remove blocked trucks and tractors “Critical Infrastructure.” Protests sparked by rising fuel prices have brought Dublin to a standstill in recent days.
Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said this in a statement on Thursday “Blockading of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted and the assistance of the defense forces has been requested.” Protestors who fail to disperse will have their vehicles removed by force, and “There should be no complaint later about any damage caused to those vehicles,” O’Callaghan added.
Protesters in trucks, tractors and other large vehicles have blocked Dublin city center since Tuesday and formed slow-moving convoys on major motorways across the country. Protesters have also blocked ports in Galway and Limerick and the country’s only refinery at Whitegate, near Cork, which processes imported oil to meet 40% of Ireland’s fuel demand.
An industry spokesperson told the Irish Independent that the blockade has already caused fuel shortages across Ireland, with 100 petrol stations predicted to be out of stock by Thursday night.
Fuel prices in Ireland have soared as a result of the US-Israel war over Iran, with petrol rising by 15% and the price of diesel currently about 30% higher than in mid-February. Meanwhile, the price of home heating oil has increased by nearly 70%. Around 60% of the cost of fuel in Ireland is made up of taxes, and protesters argue that the government should cut these charges to ease the pressure on farmers, drivers and commuters.
In case you’re unaware, thousands of farmers, truck drivers, bus drivers and delivery drivers have been protesting against fuel across Ireland this week. The Irish people have been through a lot and they are fighting back. Follow us for video updates and share pic.twitter.com/KltGl3OO9x
– TheLiberal.ie (@TheLiberal_ie) 8 April 2026
A modest cut in fuel taxes last month – to 15 cents a liter on gasoline and 20 cents on diesel – was criticized by Ireland’s opposition Sinn Féin party. “A pathetic symbolic gesture that doesn’t even come close to what’s required.”
The Irish government has refused to negotiate with the protesters. “Blocking this refinery is an act of national sabotage and will have a direct impact on the people of Ireland.” Prime Minister Michael Martin said on Wednesday, referring to the Whitegate demonstration. “A gun cannot be held to the head of the government.”
Martin was filmed walking away from angry protesters in Cork on Thursday who accused him of “Getting away from the Irish people.”
Michael Martin looks out onto the field and straight past an Irishman asking a question. He doesn’t even have the ability to look the man in the eyes, let alone answer questions. he is a weak man pic.twitter.com/zoD0foTw8w
– Real News Eire (@real_eire) 9 April 2026
In keeping with EU policy, the government has also ruled out withdrawal of Russian fuel imports. Despite the growing energy crisis, Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said last month that “Any move by the EU to start buying Russian oil again… would be completely abhorrent.”
