Opposition slams ‘bare minimum’ fuel measures as costs soar

Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny has said the Government’s response to soaring fuel prices “falls far short of what is needed,” warning that the measures fail to deliver meaningful relief for households under pressure.

Speaking today, Deputy Kenny said the steps announced by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were introduced “weeks too late” and only after sustained public pressure.

“For the past month, families and workers have been hammered by spiralling fuel costs,” he said. “People are struggling to heat their homes and fill their cars, while this government stood back.”

He added that while action has now been taken, it does not go far enough to address the scale of the crisis.

“It has taken sustained pressure from Sinn Féin and public anger to force action. But what has been brought forward does not go far enough,” he said.

Deputy Kenny criticised the level of reductions at the fuel pumps, saying motorists needed stronger intervention.

“Motorists needed the maximum reduction at the pumps, but the Government chose not to deliver it,” he said.

He also described the extension of the fuel allowance by four weeks, amounting to €152, as insufficient.

“It is a drop in the ocean. It won’t make a meaningful difference,” he said.

Turning to home heating costs, Deputy Kenny said the Government’s approach was “a complete failure.”

“The cost of a fill has doubled in weeks, yet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael offer just 2 cent per litre. That is not support — it is an insult,” he said.

He further claimed that any relief would be offset by future increases.

“They will claw this back through another carbon tax hike in a matter of weeks. They give with one hand and take with the other,” he said.

Deputy Kenny argued that the State has the financial capacity to provide stronger supports, pointing to a budget surplus and increased tax revenues.

“The issue is not money — it is political will,” he said. “Once again, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are choosing to do the bare minimum.”

He confirmed that Sinn Féin will move an amendment in the Dáil aimed at delivering deeper reductions.

“We will push for the maximum cut on diesel, similar reductions for petrol, and the removal of excise tax on home heating oil,” he said.

“This is a real emergency for households. It demands real action — not half-measures.”