Clare Businesses And Householders Call On Government To Stop Fuelling Price Hikes At The Pumps

Clare FM

Households and Businesses in Clare are calling on the Government to focus on absorbing costs, rather than fuelling price hikes at the pumps. It comes as Ireland is expected to have the highest levels of diesel tax in Europe after the upcoming budget. More fuel price hikes lie ahead for motorists at the pumps, with Ireland poised to top the EU fuel taxation rankings after October's budget. Petrol prices are set to be taxed at 57 point 2 per cent, while diesel taxation will reach 54 per cent. Petrol prices have already risen by 1 cent per litre in August, in the wake of the reinstatement of excise duty at the start of the month, with motorists now forking out 1 euro 81 cent per litre, on average. Diesel prices have remained steady, with the average price standing at 1 euro and 74 cent per litre. In contrast though, EV owners can expect to pay around 39 euro a month to run their cars, according to the AA. Clare mother, Deborah Kett says the cost associated with driving has forced her into working from home. She insists people's income is not rising at a sufficient rate to match the spiralling the cost of living. A former Clare-based President of the Irish Road Hauliage Association is calling for a cut in VAT across the board to stop spiralling costs for both businesses and householders. Ennis Haulier, Eugene Drennan says their industry contributes 500 million euro a year in taxes off fuel to the state - its highest cost after labour. He believes the Government must take steps to address the burden of high taxation in all areas and not just fuel though, saying the coffers are full so something has to give.