Road Haulage Association Threatens Protests Over Rising Fuel Costs

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has signalled its intent to organise “disruptive protests” across Ireland unless the government takes immediate action on escalating fuel prices. The surge in petrol and diesel costs follows recent military actions in the Middle East, specifically the strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which have severely impacted the global energy market.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that there is “no excuse for prices going up.” Despite this, the RHA argues that the rapid increase in costs leaves them with little option but to respond. On March 4, 2024, RHA President Ger Hyland expressed frustration, stating that hauliers find themselves in an untenable situation. “We are left here to try and fuel our trucks,” he remarked during an interview on Newstalk Breakfast.

Hauliers are currently facing significant challenges in securing fuel, with many facing delivery delays of up to five or six days. “If we can afford the price of fuel, the problem is getting fuel,” Hyland explained. He emphasised that their members are struggling to plan their operations due to the unpredictable nature of fuel pricing.

The planned protests will occur in cities throughout Ireland, and Hyland has called for public support. “This is a cost of living issue, not just for hauliers, but for all of Ireland and the general public,” he stated, encouraging farmers and other contract groups to join them in their demonstrations. He confirmed that the protests would aim to disrupt traffic significantly.

During a recent meeting of hauliers, Hyland noted a prevailing sentiment of anger and disbelief regarding the government’s inaction. Although he acknowledged that the government cannot control international events such as the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, he maintained that they are responsible for the domestic fuel prices. “For every litre of fuel that you buy, 65 cents of that euro goes to the government,” he pointed out, detailing that the carbon tax contributes nearly 20 cents per litre.

Hyland highlighted that Ireland is one of only four countries in Europe imposing a carbon tax, stating, “We didn’t ask the government to abolish it; we asked them to suspend it until this crisis is over.”

When questioned about the possibility of passing increased costs onto customers, Hyland warned that this would inevitably lead to higher prices for consumers. “Our margins are between 3% and 5%,” he noted. Although hauliers are attempting to raise their rates, he cautioned that this would have an inflationary effect on the broader economy.

He added that many of their members operate in rural areas, where employees typically travel an average of 30 kilometres to work each day. As fuel prices rise, the overall cost of living is also expected to increase, placing additional financial burdens on workers and their families.

The situation continues to develop as the RHA prepares to mobilize its members in response to rising costs. The association is adamant that immediate action is necessary to prevent further economic strain on both the transport sector and the general public.