Irish Cabinet Phases Out Fuel Excise Duty Cuts

The Government of Ireland agreed to phase out excise duty cuts on petrol and diesel over four stages between November 2026 and the end of February 2027. This decision follows a previous pause on planned price increases for September and October, a measure intended to shield households from global energy market volatility.

As part of the broader package, the government extended the diesel rebate scheme for transport operators until the end of the year and prolonged the NORA levy reduction through October. While the Social Democrats and Labour are expected to support the delay, Sinn Féin opposes any plan that increases fuel prices after October.

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty criticized the decision as kicking the can down the road, arguing that delaying the price hikes is not an acceptable solution. Similarly, Fuels for Ireland welcomed the short-term certainty but urged the government to replace its ad hoc approach with a taxation regime based on industry consultation and market evidence.