The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is urging government not to unwind fuel supports as hauliers and motorists themselves for higher prices at the pumps.

As the price of oil exceeded $90 a barrel for the first time in almost six weeks, hauliers are bracing for a sharp rise in the price of fuel at the pumps in the coming days.

The IRHA says it is too early to start winding down fuel supports and cautioned that the latest surge in prices at the pumps could drive inflation and impact on households across the country.

IRHA President, Ger Hyland, described it as madness to even consider hiking the price of fuel at a time when fuel prices are rising sharply.

As the peace deal in the Middle East collapses and any prospects for talks becomes more remote, fuel prices are again putting pressure on Ireland’s transport industry, who are feeling the pinch.

“Let’s be clear here. Most of the price of fuel in Ireland is made up of various taxes. Many countries across the EU have lowered fuel taxes and I think now is not the time to consider winding down fuel supports. Iran and the region are very volatile and things don’t look to be getting better. Fuel prices are just too high for the volume of fuel that hauliers use. Our industry cannot afford to operate at these prices,” Mr. Hyland said.

Fuel supports were to be phased out from September but hauliers have called on Government to review this decision until we get a little more clarity on the direction of travel of the Middle East conflict.