Soaring oil prices have triggered protests by Irish hauliers, at one point threatening the operation of national emergency services. The Irish government held a cabinet meeting on the 12th and announced tax cuts on gasoline and diesel.
According to AFP, in response to a surge in oil prices caused by the war in the Middle East, Irish hauliers and agricultural contractors launched a series of demonstrations starting on the 7th.
Finance Minister Harris said at a press conference on the 12th: “The government has heard your voice. We have taken action, and today we will be taking further measures.”
The announced measures include: a tax reduction of 10 euro cents (0.46 ringgit) per liter for diesel and gasoline; the previously scheduled carbon tax increase, originally set to take effect in May, has been postponed until the October budget.
The protests last week included fleets of vehicles driving slowly on highways and blocking traffic on Dublin's busiest streets, which later escalated to the blockade of Ireland's only refinery and at least two fuel storage facilities.
As of the 12th, some protests were still ongoing, with demonstrations entering their 6th day. Many petrol stations have run out of fuel, and the government earlier called on the public not to panic buy.
On the 11th, police, supported by the armed forces, were dispatched to maintain public order and clear the blockade at the Whitegate refinery in southern Ireland.
Irish Police Commissioner Kelly said that the blockade of “critical national infrastructure” has “resulted in fuel shortages, directly impacting emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, and fire departments.”
He condemned the blockade of the refinery as “illegal activity”, saying it was carried out by people determined to “hold the country hostage.”