Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson and Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has said that the Government’s planned fuel tax hikes should be cancelled.
Experts have said that with three separate fuel tax rises planned in the next 12 months, fuel could cost as much as 15c more per litre at the pumps.
From the start of April, the price of petrol will cost 5c more per litre, with diesel costing 4c more. A further rise in excise duty planned for August will see similar price increases, before a planned carbon tax increase in October’s budget will see 3c per litre added to the price. A final 1-2c per litre price increase, expected in January 2025, is set to come from Government plans to increase the biofuel component of transport fuels.
Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty says these tax increases must be cancelled due to the high cost of living continuing to impact the pockets of families.
“Households are continuing to struggle under the cost of living crisis – for many people prices remain too high.”
“This year the government plans three separate tax hikes on petrol and diesel. If the government presses ahead with these tax hikes, households will face among the highest fuel prices in Europe.”
“Petrol prices will rise by at least 10 cent per litre, with diesel prices set to rise by at least 8 cents per litre.”
“As the gap between fuel prices North and South widens, the viability of businesses and petrol stations in border counties will be at risk, with petrol set to be 20 cent per litre and diesel set to be 7 cent per litre more expensive in the South compared to the North.”
“So many workers and families depend on their cars to travel to work, to make a hospital appointment or visit their relatives. Fuel prices have risen by more than 30 percent in the past three years – making the cost of travel even more expensive at this time is the wrong call.”
“The government must show flexibility and understanding of the challenges so many are facing under this cost of living crisis. Sinn Féin are calling on the government not to go ahead with their planned tax hikes on petrol and diesel this year.”
