The Irish cabinet is set to convene on Sunday for a crucial meeting on the ongoing fuel protests that have disrupted the country for nearly a week.
Triggered by sharp rises in diesel and petrol prices amid global tensions from the Iran conflict, farmers, hauliers, and other demonstrators have blockaded roads, ports, and fuel terminals in locations including Limerick, Galway, Cork, and Dublin. This has led to widespread fuel shortages, with hundreds of service stations running dry and panic buying reported.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that Ireland is “on the precipice of turning oil away” due to the blockades, describing the situation as severe and potentially damaging to the economy. Gardaí have declared an “exceptional event” to manage resources, while emergency services face constraints.
Following Friday’s talks with representative bodies from farming and haulage sectors—which excluded direct protest leaders—the government is finalising a “substantial and significant” support package, including possible direct payments. Tánaiste Simon Harris described the engagements as constructive and indicated further intensive work over the weekend.
The Sunday cabinet meeting will focus on reviewing security updates, refining relief measures for affected sectors, and strategies to restore fuel distribution. Ministers are urging protesters to end blockades, emphasising that disruptions harm the very industries they seek to support. Protesters, however, have vowed to maintain pressure until meaningful action is taken.
The crisis underscores Ireland’s vulnerability to fuel price volatility.
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