There is a large protest against fuel price increases underway in Dublin today. In response People Before Profit has repeated its call for the Government to enact the Emergency Price Controls Bill to cap energy prices and to make public transport free.
The Emergency Price Controls Bill set maximum prices for petrol and diesel of €1.75 per litre.
People Before Profit’s Councillor Conor Reddy said:
“People are paying soaring prices for fuel and energy, adding enormously to the cost-of-living pressures they were already facing. The Government's recent cost of living measures were extremely limited and people are still paying close to €2 per litre for petrol and diesel and close to €1,000 for a half fill of their oil tank.
“The Government has left the Dáil in recess as the crisis escalates, so it’s no surprise that there are protests on the streets to demand meaningful Government action. This is a government that rushes to meet every demand from corporate landlords, but is oblivious to the cost of living pressures ordinary people are facing.
“Today’s protest comes as a People Before Profit Bill to cap fuel prices is ready in the Dáil. The Bill proposes to set maximum prices for petrol and diesel of €1.75 per litre, but the Government refuses to support the Bill to pass the necessary stages to come into law.
“It also beggars belief that in the midst of this crisis the Government still refuses to make public transport free. This simple measure would save on transport costs for many and immediately reduce fuel usage.
“What is the Government waiting for? We need fuel price caps and free public transport immediately.”