Queues have been reported at a number of petrol stations in towns across Donegal tonight ahead of the increase on petrol and diesel prices.
Fuel prices are to go up by about 2.5c a litre at midnight following the government’s budget.
Substantial queues have been seen locally as drivers aim to get their fill for the lowest price.
The petrol and diesel price hike has been caused by an increased in carbon tax. Carbon tax has increased by €7.50 from €26 to €33.50 per tonne/Co2. Tax on other fuels are not set to come in until May 2021 to avoid households enduring higher bills in winter.
Donegal Sinn Féin TD, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has slammed the carbon tax increase as a “lazy cop-out” which is targeting ordinary people instead of tackling big polluters.
Teachta Mac Lochlainn said this evening: “Without affordable alternatives, a carbon tax won’t save the planet and won’t reduce our emissions.
“The Green Party can dress this unfair tax increase up however they want, but the truth is it is a punitive tax that will impact those who can least afford it.
“It applies to all the things people can’t do without. Petrol to get them to work. Gas to cook their dinner and home heating oil to keep them warm.
“The 29% increase announced is inherently unfair, as the richer you are, the easier this tax is to avoid.
“If you have the money you can buy an electric car, install a fleet of solar panels on your roof and retrofit your home, avoiding the tax increase in all these areas.
“If you don’t have the money to do these things, you’ll have less money to do them now, as you’ll be spending more on keeping your home warm and trying to run your car.”