New figures from AA Ireland’s latest fuel price survey show that motorists are continuing to face rising costs at the pump, with diesel and petrol prices climbing sharply in April amid ongoing volatility in global oil markets.
The survey found that diesel now averages around €2.14 per litre, marking an increase of 24 cents compared with March. In some areas, prices had previously peaked at €2.28 per litre during March’s surge, highlighting significant regional variation. Petrol prices have also moved higher, averaging €1.91 per litre, up by 10 cents month-on-month.
In contrast, charging costs for electric vehicles, both at home and in public locations, have remained broadly stable. AA Ireland noted this divergence as fuel markets continue to react to external economic and geopolitical pressures.
According to the organisation, the latest price increases have already outpaced the initial round of tax relief introduced by the Government in late March. As a result, authorities have moved to introduce additional support measures in an effort to ease pressure on drivers.
From midnight, a further package of relief will take effect, including a 10 cents per litre reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel. Additional support has also been announced for users of green diesel, as part of a wider attempt to stabilise transport costs.
An AA Ireland spokesperson said motorists are still struggling to absorb the rapid increases seen in recent weeks. They noted that while government interventions may offer short-term relief, many drivers are still paying significantly more than earlier in the year.
The spokesperson added that the introduction of a second round of tax reductions within a short period reflects the severity of current price pressures. However, they warned that uncertainty remains over whether such measures will be enough to counter continued instability in global energy markets.
AA Ireland also pointed to broader international factors driving the increases, including fluctuations in crude oil prices, currency movements, and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains. Brent crude, the global benchmark, is currently trading above $100 per barrel, maintaining upward pressure on retail fuel prices.
With these conditions expected to persist, analysts suggest that fuel costs are likely to remain volatile in the coming weeks, leaving motorists exposed to further price changes despite government intervention.
