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Hauliers and farmers block Dublin highways and roads on fourth day of action...
Protests over fuel prices have caused chaos in Ireland and spread to Norway. Hauliers, farmers and other groups blocked highways and brought parts of Dublin to a standstill on Friday for a fourth day of action.
In Ireland, protests have caused fuel shortages and travel disruptions, while in Norway, truck drivers who took part in the "oil roar" protest gathered in the capital.
The Irish government put the army on standby to help lift the blockades and police warned some protesters to disperse or face arrest, sparking opposition and threats to continue the shutdown of protests for weeks if necessary.
The protests were endangering critical supplies of food, fuel, drinking water and animal feed, the police force, An Garda Síochána, said in a statement.
"This is not tolerable and is against the law," police said. Government leaders have accused the protesters of holding the country under "reward" control.
The blockade of ports and a refinery meant Ireland was on the verge of being denied oil supplies and losing its supply, Prime Minister Michael Martin told RTÉ.
Despite the government's easing measures, in recent weeks the price of diesel has increased from around 1.70 euros per liter to 2.17 euros and gasoline has increased from around 1.74 euros to 1.97 euros.
The surge in oil prices since the US and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28 has rattled global markets and sparked complaints from consumers and businesses who want governments to do more to cushion the blow.
Some countries announced temporary fuel tax cuts, while others took measures to curb demand and considered rationing. The Philippines declared a state of “national energy emergency.” Authorities in France sought to avert widespread shortages by announcing on Friday that fuel tankers would be allowed to run on weekends and public holidays until May 11.
In Norway, protesters on Friday led a convoy of trucks to the parliament in Oslo. About 70 to 80 trucks, some with banners reading “nok er nok!” (Enough!), joined another group known as Dieselbrølet (the diesel roar). Only a handful of them were allowed into the capital.
Norway lowered fuel taxes on April 1, but shippers say they need more predictable and lower prices. Despite being an oil producer, fuel prices in Norway have risen since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Statistics Norway said the price of fuel and lubricants rose 17.9% from February to March, with oil prices in that period rising 23.6%.
A spokesman for Statistics Norway said it had never recorded a sharper monthly increase in fuel prices using the CPI inflation index.
“The last time we saw something similar was in the spring of 2022, after the full invasion of Ukraine by Russia, but in that case the price increase occurred over two consecutive months.”
Last month, the Irish government announced a €50 million package of measures to reduce fuel costs, including a temporary reduction in excise duty, the extension of a diesel rebate scheme for hauliers and bus operators, and an extension of the fuel allowance.
The protesters were prepared to stay in the capital for weeks. "If it takes a month, we are prepared to stay here," the protesters said.
He accused the government of ignoring the plight of people facing hardship and devastation due to fuel costs. "How dare they come out and say that these people who are protesting are holding the country hostage? It is the government that is holding this country hostage, not the protesters."
The prime minister postponed a trade mission to Canada to deal with the crisis.
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