Petrol, diesel, coal and cigarettes to go up in Budget - reports

Petrol, diesel, coal and cigarettes are all set to increase in price as Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe prepares Budget 2019, according to reports.

The price of cigarettes could rise by up to 50 cent, while it will now cost more to heat your home as a carbon tax increase is said to be 'definite'.

The carbon tax increase is also likely to be inspired by the government's attempt to move towards environmentally friendly fuels as they attempt to reach their target of reducing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.

However, an option of increasing the weekly fuel allowance of €22.50 is open to the Government, according to independent.ie.

Mr Donohoe will present the Budget Statement to Dail Eireann on Tuesday of next week.

But some details of the major proposals have already been leaked.

The 9% Vat rate on hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants is to increase by at least two percentage points in next week’s budget, in a bid to raise over €520m, according to the Irish Examiner.