Further fuel protests could be on the cards if Irish hauliers are left to absorb soaring diesel costs, Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) president Ger Hyland has warned.

Speaking after a meeting with Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris on Tuesday, Hyland said protests could not be ruled out as operators struggle with current fuel prices. The meeting focused on possible supports ahead of next month’s Budget.

Earlier in the day, Hyland said diesel was edging towards €2.20 a litre and that IRHA members had never been under such pressure. He warned that the economics of running a haulage business become increasingly difficult once diesel exceeds €1.90 a litre.

The prospect of renewed protests marks a sharp escalation in the industry’s warning to Government. The IRHA did not take part in April’s fuel protests while it was negotiating with ministers. Hyland has previously said that continued engagement offered the best route to securing support for operators.

For hauliers, the immediate concern is whether temporary fuel supports will be maintained. The diesel excise reduction is due to remain in place until 31 October, leaving operators facing uncertainty over what they will pay from November.

That uncertainty makes it difficult to price work, particularly for firms tied to longer-term contracts that cannot quickly pass on a rise in fuel costs. Operators already facing higher wages, insurance, maintenance and finance costs have little room to absorb another increase at the pump.

Hyland’s warning puts the Government on notice ahead of the Budget: hauliers want a decision on fuel supports that gives them enough certainty to keep trucks on the road and businesses viable. For now, further protests remain a possibility, rather than a confirmed plan.