Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, Martin Kenny TD, has called on government TDs to explain the excise duty increase facing motorists on August 1st. This increase – the second in three months – will see petrol rise by 4c per litre and diesel rise by 3c per litre.
Speaking today, Teachta Kenny said:
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil TDs owe the public an explanation. We are in the midst of a cost of living crisis, yet they are happy to sit back and watch as another excise duty increase hits workers and families.
“This government has already introduced a hike in April which saw a rise in petrol by 4c per litre, and a 3c per litre rise in diesel. In the space of barely three months, that means motorists have seen their fuel increase by 8c and 6c per litre respectively.
“Carers need their cars to complete their duties. Workers in rural Ireland need to drive to work, and many drive for a living. Not to forget the local white vans that supply our grocery shops.
“To expect them to take these increases on the chin just shows how out of touch this government is with workers and families who are doing their best, but are being crucified by a cost of living crisis that shows no signs of slowing down.
“In April, Sinn Féin urged the government to save the public from these increases. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens simply refused to listen.
“In border regions in particular, these hikes will likely push motorists to start buying their fuel in the north – something which will lead to a loss of revenue from excise duty. With the excise hike next week, petrol will be 26c more expensive compared to the north, with diesel just under 10c dearer in the south when compared to the north.
“Fuel costs are already 30% higher than they were 3 years ago – which means the governments overall tax take is 30% higher.
“What we need here is a common sense approach towards these increases, and common sense will tell you it simply shouldn’t go ahead.
“If this government is insisting on pushing ahead with these increases, their TDs must explain why.”
