The Minister for Transport has met the Irish Road Haulage Association to discuss the ongoing impact of the Iran crisis on fuel costs in Ireland, reports RTE.
Hauliers are seeking additional supports in response to the situation, reports RTE.
The IRHA warned that the fuel price crisis is nearing the level of “a national emergency” and has urged the Government to act quickly and agree a new package of measures for the sector.
Less than two weeks ago, the Government introduced measures aimed at addressing rising fuel costs linked to the Iran crisis, reports RTE.
However, industry groups have already indicated that these supports are no longer sufficient.
During an online meeting, the IRHA told Darragh O’Brien that fuel prices have increased by more than 35% since the supports were announced, reports RTE.
The organisation also stressed that hauliers should be prioritised in the event that fuel rationing is introduced.
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The minister is understood to have said the issue will be raised with EU transport ministers next week, reports RTE.
He also agreed to meet the group again in the coming weeks as pressure continues to mount on the Government.
Earlier, IRHA Deputy Vice President Eugene Drennan said fuel prices “has now gone way past” levels seen when the first support package was introduced, reports RTE.
“There are various things they can do and irrespective of the cost to the Exchequer, we are led to believe that we have funds that we put away for the rainy day,” Eugene Drennan said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, reports RTE.
“We’re very close to a national emergency here. They must react and they must react swiftly and quickly,” Mr Drennan said, reports RTE.
Yesterday, the Taoiseach said the Government is not currently considering fuel rationing and has been advised that supplies are available until the end of April.
Micheál Martin said that if the conflict in the Middle East continues for a prolonged period, it could have significant global economic consequences, reports RTE.
“But we hope this comes to an end soon,” he said on Newstalk radio, reports RTE.
Mr Martin also stated that no government can fully compensate every individual and sector during the energy crisis caused by the conflict in Iran, reports RTE.
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