Ireland deploys army to clear fuel price protests
Ireland mobilizes military to unblock ports and roads amid fuel price protests that have paralyzed Dublin and triggered shortages, with taxes making up 60% of costs.
The Irish government has announced it will deploy the military to clear trucks and tractors blocking "critical infrastructure," in response to protests over soaring fuel prices that have brought Dublin to a standstill in recent days. In a statement, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said that "the blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue" and that assistance from the Defense Forces has been requested. Protesters who fail to disperse will have their vehicles moved by force, with O'Callaghan adding they "should not complain later about any damage caused."
The protests, which began on Tuesday, have involved thousands of farmers, haulers, and drivers blocking Dublin city center with large vehicles and forming slow-moving convoys on key motorways. They have also blockaded ports in Galway and Limerick, as well as the country's only refinery at Whitegate near Cork, which processes 40% of Ireland's fuel demand. These blockades have already triggered fuel shortages, with an industry spokesperson predicting 100 petrol stations would run dry.
Fuel prices have spiked in Ireland due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, with petrol rising by 15% and diesel costing nearly 30% more than in mid-February. Home heating oil has surged by almost 70%. Taxes make up almost 60% of fuel costs, and protesters argue the government should slash these levies to ease pressure on farmers, haulers, and commuters. A minor tax cut last month was criticized by the opposition Sinn Féin party as "a pathetic token gesture that doesn't even come close to what is needed."
The government has refused to negotiate, calling the blockades "an act of national sabotage." Prime Minister Micheal Martin stated that "a gun can't be put to the head of government," while being filmed walking away from angry demonstrators in Cork who accused him of "walking away from the Irish people." The situation highlights escalating social tensions over economic strain from international conflicts.