Ireland's fuel protest crisis escalates, triggering fears of panic buying

Passengers travelling to or from Dublin Airport are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys as protests over high fuel prices in Ireland continue into a fourth day.

Farmers, lorry drivers and agricultural contractors began a series of demonstrations on Tuesday. They have evolved from slow-moving motorway convoys, that restricted access to some of Dublin's busiest streets, to blockades of fuel depots.

The Irish government will meet protesters on Friday to discuss the crisis, which was triggered by the rising cost of gas and diesel amid the knock-on effects of the Iran war.

Protesters have blocked access to a major oil refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork, as well as fuel depots in Galway City and Foynes, Co Limerick, raising concerns over panic buying at petrol stations.

More than 100 petrol stations have now run out of fuel. The figure could rise to five times as many by Friday evening if fuel supplies remain disrupted, national broadcaster RTE reported, citing the industry organisation Fuels for Ireland.

The Irish government asked the army on Thursday to remove vehicles from blocked roads amid concerns they could impede police, firefighters and ambulances responding to emergencies.

Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) said the disruption was causing people to miss medical appointments and hitting the provision of home care and critical care, such as dialysis and cancer treatment.

It also warned the blockades could disrupt the time-sensitive delivery of key medicines and medical devices.

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On Friday morning, Dublin Airport said: "Passengers travelling to/from Dublin Airport this morning are advised to allow extra time for their journey due to protest activity causing traffic disruption on some roads approaching the airport, including the M50."

The Irish government has previously approved a range of measures to cut fuel prices.

These include a temporary reduction in excise taxes on motor fuels, expansion of a rebate for truckers and bus operators using diesel fuel, and the extension of a programme helping low-income people with their heating costs.

(c) Sky News 2026: Ireland's fuel protest crisis escalates, triggering fears of panic buying