Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
154. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on his engagement with stakeholders in relation to the current fuel and energy costs challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27680/26]
View answerThe Government recognises and understands the pressures that have arisen due to rising fuel costs as a result of war in the Middle East.
In recent days, Government announced a new package that includes measures on fuel costs and support for the transport, farming and fisheries sectors. This package was announced following significant engagement with industry representatives, and is in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure. This is one of the more significant Government interventions in the EU.
The temporary and targeted measures include:
• a reduction in excise on diesel by a further 10c (including VAT) bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32c (including VAT);
• a reduction in excise on petrol by a further 10c (including VAT) bringing the total reduction to 27c (including VAT);
• a reduction in excise on marked gas oil (green diesel) by a further 2.4c (including VAT) bringing the total to 7.4c (including VAT);
• a deferral of the planned increase in carbon tax — scheduled for 1 May — until the Budget; and
• the reductions in excise include the NORA levy reduction (announced in March).
The reductions in excise outlined above will take effect from midnight on 14 April and run until 31 July 2026.
Government will also be establishing a new Road Transporters Support Scheme as well as supports for coach operators providing local link services.
A comprehensive €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers has also been announced.
This package of supports is in addition to the measures announced in March, which include:
• an expansion of the diesel rebate scheme, backdating it to January, to help sectors of the economy most impacted by the rise of fuel costs; and
• an extension of the fuel allowance season to help the most vulnerable with the cost of home heating.
As Minister, I have also engaged with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
Also as Minister, I recently wrote to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.
A cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was established last June to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026. The NEAT is now preparing an Energy Affordability Action Plan that will be completed in Q3 of this year.
