Hauliers warn of surging fuel prices causing a national emergency

Kenneth Fox

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has described surging fuel prices as a national emergency and called for more government support.

They will lay out their case in a meeting with Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien on Friday at 10am to discuss the ongoing impact of escalating fuel prices on the haulage sector.

This meeting follows the Minister's commitments made on March 19th to keep support under review as the situation in the Middle East unfolded.

Speaking about the issue, Ger Hyland, IRHA president "While existing supports were welcome, the continued increases in fuel prices have effectively eroded the benefit of those initial supports.

"The situation facing hauliers has intensified in recent days, with operators now under renewed financial pressure as diesel prices show no signs of stabilisation. This is a national emergency.”

“The margin for operators, many of whom are small family-run businesses, is being squeezed to unsustainable levels. Most of our members are operating at a loss and cannot continue to do so indefinitely. This will lead to job losses, higher prices, and a fast-emerging crisis in Ireland’s transport sector."

They are calling for further immediate intervention from the Government to support hauliers, given current market conditions. They are also calling for priority status if the Government introduces fuel rationing.

“Without immediate action, the viability of many haulage businesses is at serious risk, with knock-on consequences for the wider economy and supply chain,” Hyland added.

The IRHA said it remains committed to engaging constructively with the Government but warned that failure to address the current cost crisis adequately will leave the sector with limited options.