Prices at the pumps still high – despite government tax help
By Jia Huang
A week after the government reduced excise on petrol and diesel, prices remain high.
On Monday of this week, one garage in the Salthill area of Galway was selling unleaded petrol for almost €1.91 cent per litre. This is just 9 cent less than last week’s price. Prices remain high despite the fact that the government decreased tax on petrol by 15c a litre on 25 March.
If you drive a diesel vehicle, the price to fill up at the same Galway garage on Monday was almost €2.08 cents per litre. This is down from almost €2.23 last week – a reduction of 15c.
Multiple gas stations across Galway adjusted their prices in recent days, bringing direct benefits to local car owners. The government promised drivers would enjoy a “burden reduction”.
Mr Hoon, a restaurant worker in Galway, said: “I drive to work every day and refuel at least once a week. If diesel drops by 20 cents per litre, I can save around €10–€15 per tank. That adds up over a month.”
Sarah, a Galway resident, welcomed the reductions. “This is definitely good news, especially with everything getting more expensive. But I think it might be temporary, so I won’t rely on it too much. Still, it helps in the short term.”
Today a garage in Roscommon was listing petrol at €1.89 a litre and diesel at €2.04
These prices show that despite last week’s reductions, the price of fuel may be creeping up again.
Future fuel prices continue to depend on government policy and global energy markets.
According to energy group Fuels for Ireland “oil and fuel products are traded in highly integrated international markets, and prices respond quickly to events that affect supply.”
“We recognise that higher energy costs place real pressure on households and businesses,” said Kevin McPartlan in a statement on their website. “Many people rely on fuels for essential transport and heating, and sudden price increases are difficult for consumers and suppliers alike.”
Announcing the fuel tax measures last week, Minister Darragh O’Brien said “This intervention is time bound, and my department will continue to monitor and review the ever-evolving nature of this situation.”
