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Fuel Price Protest Day Four: Over 100 Stations Run Out Of Fuel

Friday, 10 April 2026 08:29

Demonstrators continue across the midlands today.

Farmers, hauliers and bus drivers are continuing to block roads and fuel terminals for a fourth day of protests over rising prices.

Government will be meeting with official haulier, farming and forestry representative bodies later today.

This morning a spokesperson for the protestors says they have also been invited for talks.

Spokesperson James Geoghegan explains how the invitation came about:

However Fianna Fail TD John Connolly says it didn't happen.
 

Defence Minister Helen McEntee, says the government can only speak to representatives who have a mandate from their industries:

The IRHA will be in attendance at today's meeting, and its President says as far as he's aware, protest organisers won't be there.

However he says he's happy to represent their views if they reach out to him before:

Sinn Fein's Maria McCormack is currently at Junction 17 on the M7 in Portlaoise. 

The Laois Sentator says protestors want to return to work but they need the price of fuel to come down:

Laois Senator Maria McCormack on Junction 17 in Portlaoise:

The army remains on standby as fears rise of shortages caused by blockades at fuel plants in Cork, Galway and Limerick. 

Thomas McGrale, a farmer from Leitrim, is among those protesting on O'Connell St in Dublin and says they've been receiving lots of support from locals:

Over one hundred filling stations have now run out of fuel, and that number could multiply rapidly today if blockades continue.

The head of fuels for Ireland says its a significant number, and it could reach up to 500 if there is no improvement by the end of the day. 

It comes as blockades at the country’s main depots and only oil refinery in county Cork continues this morning. 

CEO Kevin McPartlan says panic buying is making things worse - and is encouraging people to 'keep their heads': 

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has accused the government of being detached from reality when it comes to the crisis hitting home heating oil and other fuels.

Speaking after the publication of new data by the CSO that shows home heating oil has hit it highest prices on record and petrol and diesel the highest since 2022, Teachta Clarke said:

“Home heating oil hit the highest prices since record began 30 years ago yet the government has done nothing to help people suffering from this energy shock.

 “They are detached from the reality facing over 700,000 households that rely on oil to heat their homes now facing the highest prices on record.

Fuel protestors are insisting they've been invited to attend talks with government today, but government insists they have not. 

Representatives of those involved in go-slow convoys and blockades say some of its members from Dublin and Galway have been asked to attend the talks with a number of ministers this afternoon, but that's being disputed by Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee. 

M6 between Athlone and Moate:

Mullingar:

 

 

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