A Donegal TD says the government’s excise duty increase on fuel will affect border counties the most.
This Thursday August 1st, the tax will add an extra 4c per litre for petrol and 3c per litre for diesel.
A price hike amid a cost of living crisis must be explained, according to Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, who said the hikes will likely push motorists to start buying their fuel in the north.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “Many people in Donegal have no choice but to use their cars. The Government has failed to put in place adequate public transport services to serve as a realistic or reliable alternative.
“To expect people to take these increases on the chin just shows how out of touch this government is with workers and families who are struggling with unaffordable costs.”
Deputy MacLochlainn added: “In border regions such as Donegal, these hikes will likely push motorists to start buying their fuel in the north – something which will lead to a loss of revenue from excise duty. With the excise hike next week, petrol will be 26c more expensive compared to the north, with diesel just under 10c dearer in the south when compared to the north”.
The Deputy called for a common sense approach to fuel costs: “Fuel costs are already 30% higher than they were 3 years ago – which means the government’s overall tax take is 30% higher.
“What we need here is a common sense approach towards these increases, and common sense will tell you it simply shouldn’t go ahead.
“If this government is insisting on pushing ahead with these increases, their TDs must explain why to people in Donegal who will be paying the price for their actions.”
