Inside Business with Ciaran Hancock Are Government's fuel measures betting on a quick resolution to the conflict in Iran?
Mar 25, 2026
Cormac McQuinn, Irish Times political correspondent, gives a clear rundown of the new fuel measures. Fergal O’Brien, Ibec’s director of lobbying and influence, discusses business competitiveness and energy costs. Cliff Taylor, senior business journalist, assesses the measures and economic outlook. They debate targeting, hedging and whether the package hinges on a quick resolution in Iran.
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What The New Fuel Package Actually Contains
- Government introduced excise cuts: 15c/l petrol, 20c/l diesel, NORA levy suspended (2c/l) and diesel rebate raised to 12c until mid-year.
- Measures cost ~€235–250m, timed as temporary supports through May–June and fuel allowance extended four weeks for 470,000 households.
Package Is A Short Term Bet On Conflict Ending
- Cliff Taylor called the package a bet on a quick resolution to the Iran conflict and noted it partly subsidises higher-income households.
- He cited ESRI analysis that ~50% of the indirect tax cut benefits the top 40% of households.
Proportionate Relief With Some Targeting
- Fergal O'Brien said full insulation by government is unsustainable and the package is proportionate, with some targeting for vulnerable groups and hauliers.
- He noted VAT gains from higher fuel were partly being returned as relief.