Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on the Government to urgently intervene to prevent petrol and diesel price increases due on 1 August, arguing the move will further strain already stretched household budgets.

Doherty criticised the Government after the Dáil passed the Finance Bill, saying the decision would drive up pump prices within weeks. He challenged Taoiseach Micheál Martin during Leaders' Questions, accusing the coalition of ignoring public pressure and rejecting Sinn Féin proposals aimed at stopping the rises.

"You're going to make things even harder for families. You're going to increase the price of diesel by 32 cents and petrol by 27 cents."

He argued that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had made a mistake by voting against Sinn Féin amendments intended to block the hikes, warning that families would face higher costs over the summer.

"You need to recognise that the pressure on people isn't easing – it's increasing. So, you cannot go ahead with these petrol and diesel price hikes." Doherty urged the Taoiseach to change course before the increases take effect, insisting there is still time to act so motorists are not hit at the pumps in the coming weeks.

"There's still time to change course, Taoiseach. You need to listen. You need to make it clear that this pressure won't be placed on families at the pumps in the next few weeks.

"Will you urgently bring forward a financial resolution to stop these huge increases in the price of petrol and diesel taking effect in just a number of weeks."

He claimed the Government's stance could see prices climb towards €2.00 per litre and cited recent Barnardos research indicating more than half of parents worry they may not have enough money for fuel. He maintained Sinn Féin was the only party to table a series of amendments last week to prevent the planned rises.

Doherty reiterated his appeal for immediate action, saying ministers should not allow the increases to proceed while the Dáil is in recess and warning that otherwise "ordinary people are going to pay the price."