The average prices of a litre of petrol and diesel in Ireland are at their lowest in 2017 so far

Good news for Irish motorists.

The average price of a litre of a petrol in Ireland is now 135.1c and the average price of a litre of diesel is 123.5c, the lowest both have been in 2017 so far. According to the latest monthly fuel prices survey from AA Ireland, petrol and diesel prices have fallen by an average of 1.5c and 2.5c per litre respectively, having dropped for a second month in succession. While the drop in the price of a litre of fuel will be welcome news for Irish motorists, the AA says that it only goes so far to counteract a number of increases that have arisen in recent months, particularly the tax levels imposed on fuel spend. The AA’s fuel prices survey found that tax accounts for 63.67% of the current price of a litre of petrol, and 59.10% of the price of a litre of diesel. “While any decrease is certainly welcome news for motorists, this drop of 1.5c or 2.5c per litre depending on which fuel you use only goes so far in counteracting a number of increases that we have seen in recent months,” said Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs. “Compared to this time last year, the average motorist is paying 6c more for every litre of petrol they use, with drivers of diesel-powered vehicles paying over 10c more. All this means that motorists are now paying just under €10 more per month for petrol than they would have 12 months ago, or forking out an additional €15 per month compared to last year’s prices if they own a diesel vehicle.” “For many people in Ireland driving is a necessity due to an absence of reliable public transport, particularly in rural areas, or because the nature of their employment requires that they have access to a car,” Faughnan added. “These people should not be punished by way of excessive taxation because they need a car to get to commute or access reliable employment. “During the recession era the tax on fuel was allowed to rise in response to the emergency situation, but despite the change in Ireland’s fortunes motorists are still being taxed to emergency standards.”