Supports to deal with fuel and energy costs welcomed
A 20-cent reduction in excise duty on a litre of diesel, 15-cent on a litre of petrol, and a 3-cent cut in excise on a litre of marked gas oil (green diesel) has been announced. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
Pensioners, carers, and people with disabilities will get increased help with the cost of heating their homes, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Roscommon Senator Gareth Scahill said Fine Gael is taking action to help with targeted and time-bound measures to deal with rising energy costs.
“The supports announced today will come as a welcome relief to so many in Roscommon.
“There will be a 20-cent reduction in excise duty on a litre of diesel, 15-cent on a litre of petrol, and a 3-cent cut in excise on a litre of marked gas oil (green diesel) until the end of May.
“We’ll also see the NORA (National Oil Reserves Agency) levy of 2 cent on a litre of petrol, diesel and home heating oil paused for two months.
“All transport users in Roscommon, commuters, businesses and farmers, will benefit from these steps.
“For hauliers here will be an enhanced diesel tax rebate scheme that will be backdated to January to help keep supply chains functioning for Roscommon and beyond.
“I’m also glad to see a four-week extension to the fuel allowance, which will see 470,000 households get continued help with their home heating.
“All reductions on excise will come into force tonight and the NORA levy will come into effect on April 1st, once it has been passed by both the Dáil and Seanad.
“This package will be a significant help to commuters, families, businesses, and hauliers in Roscommon,” concluded Senator Scahill.
Boyle native and Minister of State Frank Feighan TD has also welcomed the measures.
He said that "given the current level of volatility, no Government in the world can shield people from the full impact of the war, but this package will be a start and will help consumers. The longer the war continues the greater the challenge with impacts on inflation, economic growth and household income.
"Since the outbreak of this conflict, the Government has been engaging extensively with our EU counterparts. What is clear is the need to avoid knee-jerk responses and instead focus on informed sensible measures like those we have announced."
In conclusion Minister Feighan said, “The Government is acutely aware of the impact on households and businesses of the recent increases in fuel prices. That is why we are taking action to help with targeted and time-bound measures”.
