First of many fuel hikes will 'crush wallets', says Tipperary TD

Addressing the impending price hikes in fuel at Leinster House today, Tipperary Deputy Mattie McGrath, leader of the Rural Independent Group, stated “This Thursday's increase is just the beginning, as further hikes are scheduled for September and October, with diesel set to rise by 18 cents per litre and petrol by 23 cents per litre.

"Astonishingly, not one TD, apart from the Rural Independent Group, sought to challenge these hikes when they had a golden opportunity to do so.

“In total, these tax increases will burden the average motorist with an additional €10 per tank of fuel, allowing the Government to rake in an extra €700 million annually, despite already collecting a record €3.75 billion in energy taxes in 2022 when tax rates were lower.

"Every week, we hear TDs from across the house lamenting the cost of living crisis and its impact on ordinary people. Yet, when they had a concrete opportunity to make a meaningful difference and vote against a massive increase in petrol and diesel prices, they chose to support the Government's crippling green climate change taxation policy, further burdening rural communities and their residents," Deputy McGrath added.

“Imposing more taxes on struggling motorists during a period of rising inflation for essential goods is not only heartless but also highlights the Government's disconnect from the financial struggles faced by households. A recent survey conducted by Carzone in March revealed that fuel costs were the foremost financial concern for 69% of motorists, with nearly a quarter spending over €300 per month to keep their vehicles on the road.

“By continuously burdening motorists with increased costs, the Government is launching yet another assault on rural communities, where residents already face disproportionately higher fuel bills and have limited access to public transportation.

"It is worth noting that Irish citizens currently endure some of the highest tax rates on all energy products, including petrol and diesel, worldwide.

"Despite this, the Government persists in escalating tax rates, erroneously positioning themselves as champions of the environment,” stated Deputy McGrath, who added that the price increases would "crush wallets" and drain Irish motorists "of hundreds of millions".