The Irish government has called an emergency cabinet meeting for Sunday to address escalating fuel protests that have left hundreds of petrol stations empty and disrupted critical infrastructure across the country.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin warned that the blockades have pushed Ireland "on the precipice of turning oil away from the country" during a global oil supply crisis. The protests, now in their fifth day, involve slow-moving convoys of tractors and other vehicles blocking refineries, ports, and road networks.
Hundreds of forecourts have run out of petrol and diesel, creating widespread shortages. The situation has become so severe that the National Emergency Coordination Group reported fuel supplies for emergency response vehicles—including ambulances and fire services—are under "increasing pressure."
"We gave these blockaders fair warning that we were moving to an enforcement phase and they chose to ignore that and continue to hold the country to ransom," said Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly.
Police used pepper spray to clear protesters blocking the Whitegate Refinery in County Cork on Saturday, making several arrests in an operation supported by the Irish Defence Forces. Commissioner Kelly emphasized that blockades are illegal and "not a legitimate form of protest," warning participants to cease immediately or "face the full rigours of the law."
The protests have also impacted transportation hubs. Rosslare Europort may have to turn away ferries due to a road blockade, with harbor master Tom Curran stating the port will reach capacity by Sunday afternoon. Public transport has seen major disruptions in Dublin, with some services suspended and travelers to Shannon and Dublin Airports advised to allow extra time.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticized the government's handling of the crisis, saying officials had allowed a "difficult situation" to escalate and urging engagement with protesters to negotiate an end to the blockades.
The demonstrations stem from rapid fuel price increases linked to Middle East conflicts that have disrupted global oil supplies. Diesel prices in Ireland have surged from approximately €1.70 to €2.17 per litre in recent weeks, while petrol has risen by up to 25 cents per litre at many pumps.