Oil prices have reached a three-month low, but Fuels for Ireland warns that prices will increase again next month when government excise cuts are scheduled to end, unless a new plan is implemented.

Around half of Ireland's fuel supplies are currently inaccessible due to ongoing protests at terminals and the Whitegate refinery, prompting calls for government intervention from Fuels For Ireland.

There has been a rapid rise in the cost of motor fuel and home heating oil due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartlan has said that the treatment of some drivers has made it harder to return to normality.

Over 600 forecourts in Ireland are without fuel, with only about 25% of normal daily deliveries being completed due to ongoing protests, leading Fuels for Ireland to warn against panic buying.

Protesters have blocked access to fuel terminals in Ireland, leading to disappointment from Fuels for Ireland regarding the garda response and concerns that fuel supplies to forecourts could be crippled.

Fuels for Ireland CEO Kevin McPartlan said although crude oil prices have increased substantially, this will have little impact on the wholesale prices.

Fuels for Ireland has announced that it could take up to ten days to fully restore the national network of fuel supply following a recent disruption.

There is growing alarm in the Government as nationwide fuel protests escalate, with the Taoiseach describing the blockade of a key refinery in Cork as “national sabotage”.

Fuels for Ireland has called on the government to undertake an immediate review of all tax and compliance costs associated with transport fuel and home-heating oil.