In response to spiraling fuel prices and the deepening crisis in the Middle East, Government has today released a suite of measures, which it says will reduce fuel prices for households and businesses, with additional supports for key sectors of the Irish economy, such as the haulage industry.

These measures provide for temporary reductions in the rates of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) applying to petrol, auto diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO), taking effect from midnight tonight until 31 May 2026.

The rate of MOT will be reduced on a VAT inclusive basis by:

• 15 cent per litre for petrol

• 20 cent per litre for auto diesel and

• 3 cent per litre for MGO

To provide targeted relief to haulage and bus passenger operators, the government will increase the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel. This will apply to diesel purchased from 1 January 2026 until 30 June 2026.

To further ease the financial impact of energy price inflation, the government will reduce the NORA levy from 2 cent per litre to a nominal amount for a period of 2 months.

In order to further support households, the fuel allowance season will be extended by an additional four weeks. This means that the 470,000 households in receipt of the fuel allowance will receive additional financial support of €38 per week, totalling €152.

These measures will be in place for a defined period of time and government reserves the option to adjust its approach as circumstances evolve.