Sinn Féin to introduce emergency bill to cut rising fuel and heating costs

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has announced that he will introduce emergency legislation in the Dáil to cut the cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil, as fuel prices surge beyond €2 per litre.

The Mineral Oil Tax (Emergency Cost of Living Reduction) Bill 2026 would introduce temporary reductions in fuel taxes for a six-month emergency period to provide immediate relief to households, workers, and farmers facing escalating energy costs.

Teachta Doherty said: “Diesel prices being quoted to forecourts are already above €2 per litre and suppliers are warning that prices will rise further. Families and workers simply cannot absorb these increases. The government must step in and act.”

Under the Sinn Féin legislation: Excise duty on home heating oil would be removed entirely; Excise on petrol and diesel would be reduced by 20c per litre, meaning a reduction of 25c at the pumps; Excise on green diesel used by farmers would also be cut.

Deputy Doherty said the measures would reduce the cost of filling a typical 1,000-litre home heating oil tank by around €183.

These measures would be kept under review and be responsive to shifting market prices.

“Instead of helping households, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael plan to increase the carbon tax on home heating oil in a matter of weeks. That is completely wrong when families are already under enormous pressure.”

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He said the government has significant room to act.

“Ireland currently charges almost double the EU minimum fuel tax rates, meaning there is clear scope to reduce excise as an emergency response. Between 60% and 65% of what people pay at the pump goes to the State in taxes. That burden must be reduced.”

Deputy Doherty said Sinn Féin will bring the legislation before the Dáil in the coming days.

“Families cannot wait while the government holds meetings and reviews. This legislation would immediately reduce the cost of heating homes, filling the car, and keeping the economy moving.”