Diesel hits €2.22 in Carrick as fuel crisis deepens

Motorists in Carrick-on-Shannon are facing rising costs at the pumps, with diesel recorded at €2.22 per litre at Circle K on the Dublin Road, as shown on roadside signage today.

The price — captured on the station’s digital display — reflects a sharp increase locally, adding to pressure on commuters, farmers and businesses across Leitrim.

According to wholesale fuel prices for the Republic of Ireland, effective from March 19, 2026, diesel (Maxol D.E.R.V.) stands at 251.66 cent per litre including VAT, based on a pre-VAT price of 204.60 cent and VAT of 47.06 cent.

Unleaded petrol is listed at 225.36 cent per litre including VAT, highlighting sustained high costs across all fuel types.

The figures underline the volatility in fuel markets, with retail prices now closely tracking national wholesale benchmarks.

The issue has sparked a political row at national level.

Sinn Féin has accused the Government of failing to act as fuel prices surge, warning that Ireland is now in the third week of a worsening crisis.

Sligo/Leitrim TD Martin Kenny said ministers “have not taken a single concrete step to bring down prices” and warned that diesel prices had already risen by eight cent per litre, with a further 12 cent increase projected.

“Fuel prices aren’t standing still. They are skyrocketing,” he said.

Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged the pressure on households and businesses and confirmed that a package of measures is being finalised for Cabinet.

He said any response must be introduced quickly and remain flexible given ongoing international instability, including conflict in the Middle East.

Opposition figures have criticised what they describe as a slow response, with Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan saying the Government is “missing in action” as costs continue to rise.

In Carrick-on-Shannon, the impact is already being felt on the ground.

Diesel remains essential for farming and transport, and with the silage season approaching, further increases could significantly raise costs for local farmers and contractors.

Leitrim Farmers are worried about the summer season where hay saving requires a lot of machinery.

With no immediate sign of relief, motorists across the county are now bracing for further price hikes in the weeks ahead.

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