The Irish government announced on 13 April 2026 additional fuel excise cuts of 10 cents on petrol and diesel, postponement of the 1 May carbon tax increase, various sector-specific supports for transport, farming and fisheries, with all relief measures effective until 31 July 2026.
Ireland’s government announced a new package of measures, on 13 April 2026, on fuel costs and to support the transport, farming and fisheries sectors.
These measures follow significant recent engagement with industry representatives and are in addition to the previously allocated EUR 250 million in targeted support to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure.
- As part of ongoing engagement with the European Commission, the government will reduce excise on diesel by a further 10 cents (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cents (VAT inclusive).
- The government will reduce the excise on petrol by a further 10 cents (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on petrol to 27 cents (VAT inclusive).
- The government will reduce the excise on marked gas oil (green diesel) by a further 2.4 cents (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on green diesel to 7.4 cents (VAT inclusive).
These overall reductions include the already announced NORA levy reduction.
The government will defer the planned increase in carbon tax, scheduled for 1 May 2026, until the Budget. This will impact green diesel and non-propellant fuels such as kerosene, heating oil, natural gas and solid fuels.
The reductions in the excise on fuel for consumers will take effect on 14 April 2026 and run until 31 July 2026. The NORA levy reduction will also run until 31 July 2026.
Transport sector relief
The government is establishing a new Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) modelled on previous support programmes deployed in 2022 and 2023 during the fuel crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The scheme will provide direct payments to haulage and coach operators, with smaller businesses receiving proportionately higher support.
An initial backdated payment covering March 2026 will be issued to qualifying operators. The three-month scheme will continue with payments for April and May, provided the national average diesel price exceeds EUR 1.90 per litre. Coach operators providing local link and school transport services will receive additional support through separate contractual arrangements.
The combined monthly cost for transport sector support is estimated at EUR 40 million.
Agricultural sector assistance
A comprehensive EUR 100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme will assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers struggling with unprecedented fuel cost increases. The scheme covers March through July 2026, coinciding with peak fuel usage during the farming season.
