The Government has unveiled a comprehensive support package designed to alleviate the financial burden caused by rising fuel and energy prices. Following extensive engagement with industry stakeholders, these new measures build upon the €250 million in targeted supports already allocated to assist those facing immediate cost pressures.

The package introduces significant cuts to excise duties, which will take effect from midnight on Tuesday, 14th April 2026, and remain in place until 31st July 2026. These reductions, which include previously announced NORA levy adjustments, are as follows:

• Diesel: A further reduction of 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 32 cent.

• Petrol: A further reduction of 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 27 cent.

• Marked Gas Oil (Green Diesel): A further reduction of 2.4 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 7.4 cent.

Additionally, the Government has committed to deferring the carbon tax increase planned for 1st May until the upcoming Budget. This deferral applies to green diesel, kerosene heating oil, natural gas, and solid fuels.

Support for Transport and Agriculture

To maintain essential supply chains, the Government is establishing the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS), providing direct, graduated payments to haulage and coach operators for a three-month period. An initial backdated payment for March 2026 will be issued to qualifying operators, with further support for April and May conditional on national average diesel prices exceeding €1.90 per litre. For the agricultural and marine sectors, a €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme has been launched. This funding will support farmers, agricultural contractors, and fishers from March through to the end of July. With green diesel prices having risen from €0.97 per litre in late February to €1.80 per litre recently, the scheme aims to offset costs during the peak fuel usage season. A separate, tailored scheme for the fishing industry is currently being developed, subject to EU State Aid requirements.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "The Government recognises and understands the pressures that have arisen due to rising fuel costs as a result of war in Ukraine and the Middle East on all families and businesses.

"I am very conscious of the fact that we have to ensure that we support people, protect key services and make critical investments.

"The package we have agreed today is a significant response to real pressures being felt here and globally."

Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "We are living through an unprecedented global energy crisis. I know the pain, the stress, and the very real financial pressure that so many across the country are feeling as a result of this. As a government, we hear you, we have acted, and we are taking further action today.

"We were clear when we announced our initial package of measures last month that we would keep our powder dry, and that everything would remain under review. We ruled nothing out and noted the need for continued agility, conscious of the enormous global instability that is ongoing.

"These measures are an appropriate package that ensures that everyone who is feeling under pressure right now is given some form of relief."

Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: "Our focus as a Government is on practical support. We know the pressure hauliers, farmers, transport operators and others are under, and this new Transport Support Scheme is about helping them through that.

"This is about keeping supply chains moving, supporting jobs and making sure our economy continues to function.

"The further reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel will also ensure that relief is felt directly at the pumps by motorists and businesses across the country."