Protests over high fuel prices in Ireland have entered their fourth day, raising concerns about fuel shortages and emergency services as protesters blocked roads and access to refining and distribution sites across the country.
London — Protests over high fuel prices in Ireland entered their fourth day on Friday, raising concerns about fuel shortages and emergency services as protesters blocked roads and blocked access to refining and distribution sites across the country.
The Irish government is due to meet with farmers, truck drivers and agricultural contractors on Friday to discuss the crisis caused by rising gasoline and diesel prices as oil exports from the region are restricted due to conflict in the Middle East. Although organizers have said they will stop coordinated protests if the government agrees to negotiate with them, it is unclear whether they will be included in the talks.
The protests began on Tuesday as slow-moving convoys restricted access to some of the busiest roads in the capital, Dublin, and blocked fuel depots that supply half the country. Some protesters slept in their vehicles overnight and demanded that the government talk to them.
National broadcaster RTE, citing industry organization Fuels for Ireland, said more than 100 service stations had now run out of fuel and that number could five times that number by Friday evening if fuel supplies continue to be disrupted.
The government on Thursday asked the military to remove vehicles from blocked roads, amid concerns that protests could hinder police, firefighters and ambulances from responding to emergencies.
Disruption was caused by separate protests in major cities across Ireland demanding further cuts to rising fuel costs.
The government had previously approved a number of measures to cut fuel prices, including a temporary cut in excise taxes on motor fuel, an extension of rebates for truck drivers and bus operators who use diesel fuel, and an extension of a program that helps low-income people with their heating costs.
