Fuel prices have risen substantially in August with further increases expected in the coming months.
The price of diesel in Ireland has risen by 11 per cent in August to an average of €1.92 per litre, up 19 cents from July, according to AA Ireland’s latest fuel price analysis.
The price of petrol has risen by 5 per cent during that time to an average of €1.84 per litre, up 9 cents from July.
For motorists, that means an increase of €9.50 on each 50-litre tank of diesel and €4.50 more for a tank of petrol.
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A spokesperson for AA Ireland said the change is a “significant month-on-month increase”.
The spokesperson said: “Excise duty did not change during August, so what drivers are seeing at the pumps reflects global market conditions rather than any change in tax. Diesel has borne the brunt of it this month.”
“The concern is what comes next.”
The temporary reductions of 27 cents per litre on petrol and 32 cents on diesel, which includes the National Oil Reserves Agency Levy levy that was extended in June, will cease by the end of August.
From September there will be a phased restoration of excise duty on petrol and diesel, adding 9 cents to petrol and 10 cents to diesel, 8 cents for fuel in October and 5 cents for petrol and 7 cents for diesel in November and December.
“If wholesale prices hold where they are, motorists should plan for further increases through the autumn rather than expect this month to be the peak,” the spokesperson said.
AA Ireland is reminding motorists that regular vehicle maintenance can improve fuel efficiency and reduce running costs.
“Simple checks such as maintaining the correct tyre pressure, servicing your vehicle regularly and replacing worn air filters can all help improve efficiency,” they said.
Opposition figures called on the Government to delay unwinding the tax reductions on fuel.
Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke told RTÉ: “Families simply cannot afford this. The ball is in the Government’s court, but they need to respond to it.”
Aontú’s Peadar Tóibín said the reversal should be halted.
“We saw what happened earlier this year when people could not take it anymore, and took to the streets in the national fuel protests that brought the country to a halt ,” he said.
“There is already talk on the ground people will take to the streets again if life becomes unaffordable once more.”
