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23rd Nov 2021

Petrol and diesel prices reach record high in Ireland, says AA

Stephen Porzio

Fuel Prices Ireland record high 2021

The AA said the price hike is affecting lower-income families in rural areas the most.

Average fuel prices for petrol and diesel are now at a record high across the country, according to AA Ireland.

Data collated by the automotive services company shows that the average price for unleaded petrol stands at 172.6 cents per litre in the State, while the average price of diesel is now 163.3 cents per litre – the highest since AA started recording figures in 1991.

It said these prices also equate to a 27% increase in the cost of petrol and a 28% increase in the cost of diesel compared to this time last year.

“We are now seeing record high fuel prices in this country,” noted AA Ireland’s Head of Communications Paddy Comyn.

“It is very worrying for everyone, but especially lower-income families in rural areas who are unsure whether they will be able to afford fuel for their cars, or even heat their homes.”

According to the company, a combination of factors has led to the increase in fuel prices globally.

“Oil production plummeted during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide and has still not entirely recovered and recently reached $85 per barrel, but has since settled under $80,” AA Ireland said.

“But in Ireland, around two-thirds of the price motorists pay at the pump is tax and it can take two weeks for any reductions to reach the pumps.”

Meanwhile, Comyn also underlined that the cost of motoring in Ireland is “ever-increasing”.

“While there is a move to shift motorists into electric vehicles, it does appear to be at the expense of lower-income families and motorists,” he said.

“It’s very expensive when you have a family trying to budget and pay their mortgage, groceries and general expenses.

“People in rural Ireland rely on their cars. They don’t have the public transport infrastructure to support their daily lives.

“It is also very frustrating for students who are trying to juggle fees, rent and now fuel for their vehicles, while often working part-time jobs.

“Prices are only going to continue to rise until something is done. Changes need to be made, particularly in the area of taxation.”