Since the outbreak of war in the Middle East three weeks ago, supplies have not run short but the cost of petrol, diesel and kerosene (used for home heating) has increased by almost a quarter. Opposition parties have, from the outset, demanded Government intervention to lower fuel prices and payments to help counter higher home energy bills. Back then, the price of petrol was cut by 21 cent per litre and diesel by 15 cent. The Italian government, for example, has moved to cut fuel prices by 25 cent a litre but only for a period of 20 days. That, in itself, would increase the price of petrol and diesel by about 2½ cent per litre.

Source: The Irish Times March 19, 2026 19:04 UTC