Protests over rising fuel prices have caused significant disruption in Ireland and spread to Norway, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to impact global oil markets. In Ireland, hauliers, farmers, and other groups blocked motorways and brought parts of Dublin to a standstill on Friday, the fourth consecutive day of action. The National Emergency Coordination Group warned that up to 500 fuel stations could run out, with 100 already reported empty.
The Irish government has put the army on standby to help remove blockades, and police have warned protesters to disperse or face arrest. An Garda Síochána stated that the protests were endangering critical supplies of food, fuel, clean water, and animal feed. Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the blockades as 'unconscionable' and 'illogical', warning that Ireland was on the verge of turning away oil deliveries.
In Norway, lorry drivers participating in the 'diesel roar' protest drove a convoy of about 70 to 80 trucks to the parliament in Oslo, with banners reading 'nok er nok!' (enough is enough!). Despite Norway cutting fuel taxes on 1 April, hauliers demand more predictable and lower prices. Statistics Norway reported a 17.9% rise in fuel and lubricant prices from February to March, the sharpest month-on-month increase on record.
Talks between the Irish government and representative bodies from the haulage and farming industries ended without resolution on Friday, but are set to continue on Saturday. Deputy Premier Simon Harris said a 'substantial and significant' support package is being prepared. However, protest spokesperson Christopher Duffy insisted action would continue until there is a 'serious reduction in our costs'. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan accused 'outside actors', including British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, of manipulating the protests.
The protests come as global oil prices have surged since the US and Israel began attacking Iran on 28 February. Some countries have announced temporary fuel tax cuts, while others consider rationing. The Philippines declared a 'national energy emergency', and France allowed fuel tankers to circulate on weekends and public holidays until 11 May to avert shortages.
