Further fuel hike threatens border businesses: Pearse Doherty

Pearse Doherty says that the latest rise in fuel coats will threaten the future of some border businesses.

The Donegal Deputy, the Sinn Féin spokesperson on finance, has called on the government to shelve increases to fuel.

The latest carbon taxes imposed on petrol and diesel adds 2.1c to a litre of petrol and 2.5c to the diesel equivalent.

The hike took effect from Wednesday.

“It is time for the government to stop punishing households and threatening the trade and viability of businesses in the border region,” Deputy Doherty said.

“The government must scrap its planned price hikes on petrol and diesel.”

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Figures show that Ireland is one of the most expensive countries for petrol in the EU. Deputy Doherty says the increase will add further woe to already-stretched households.

He said: “The cost-of-living crisis is not over. It is completely unacceptable for the government to be heaping more pressure on workers and families.

“These small increases add up. And put real pressure on households.

“I have raised this again and again on the government and Minister for Finance, but it is clear that my calls have fallen on deaf ears and an out-of-touch government.

“This is not a climate measure, it is a punitive, regressive tax that punishes people that need to drive to work or drop their kids to school.”

Kevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels for Ireland, has urged the government to establish an expert group on taxation to address the increased costs of fuel on Irish motorists.

“Irish motorists are now paying more in taxes on fuel than those in any other EU State,” Mr McPartlan said.

“As the country nears a general election, Fuels for Ireland calls on all political parties to commit in their manifestos to the establishment of an expert group. 

“This group would review taxation on transport and heating fuels, with the aim of creating a model that supports the transition to sustainable energy, ensures fair revenue to the State, and keeps fuel costs affordable for all.”