A reduction on the excise duty on fuel was implemented as a temporary measure to address the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Minister of State at the Department of Transport James Lawless stated that the increase in excise duty on petrol, diesel, and green diesel was part of the final phase of excise restoration. Petrol would rise by four cents per liter, diesel by three cents per liter, and green diesel by one-and-a-half cents per liter.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan emphasized the need to return to a normal budgetary process, moving away from emergency measures prompted by Covid-19, the cost-of-living crisis, and the war in Ukraine. While the increase was expected, Freight Transport Association Ireland Chief Executive Aidan Flynn expressed concern over its impact on businesses, particularly heavy goods vehicles, where fuel accounts for 41% of operational costs.
Flynn called for a reduction in alternative fuel prices to support the industry’s transition to low-emission vehicles. Despite challenges, there is ambition within the sector to embrace sustainable practices.