'Now is not the time to drop fuel supports,' Fine Gael TD says
James Cox
A backbench Fine Gael TD has expressed "major concern" over the phasing out of government fuel support measures.
From September 1st, the Government is planning to phase out fuel excise cuts which were brought in following the national fuel protests which brought the country to a standstill in April.
This would see petrol rise by 9 cent and diesel by 10 cent. Fuels for Ireland has warned this could see diesel reach over €2 per litre, with the group adding that further protests are "inevitable" if support measures are removed.
Wicklow-Wexford TD Brian Brennan told BreakingNews.ie that the expected phasing out of fuel measures "should be stalled".
"Since this decision was taken fuel prices are continuing to rise. There is no sight of a resolution in the Middle East, therefore we must re-evaluate our position as a Government on fuel prices."
Brennan said he has had "numerous conversations" with Tánaiste Simon Harris on the matter, including one late on Monday night.
He added: "I am confident he is fully aware of the consequences for so many sectors within our economy especially agriculture and road haulage. And in the Tánaiste's words, 'everything is still on the table in relation to fuel supports'."
Brennan said many people in his constituency would be directly affected by the phasing out of the temporary supports.
"In my opinion the Government made their decision as there seemed to be stability in relation to oil prices and the geopolitical stability worldwide. But we are all aware today that world oil prices continue to rise and we are all well briefed on the volatility of the situation in the Middle East... so now is not the time to start dropping these supports."
