Unwinding fuel supports would be “political madness”, the president of the Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has said.<\/p>\n
In April, the Government increased temporary fuel excise cuts to 32c on a litre of diesel and 27c for petrol.<\/p>\n
However, those reductions are due to be unwound on a phased basis between September and December.<\/p>\n
Ministers have repeatedly said they are keeping the situation under review.<\/p>\n
New figures from AA Ireland show the average cost of a litre of diesel has risen by 19 cent to \u20ac1.92 in the past month, with petrol rising by 9c per litre to \u20ac1.84 over the same period.<\/p>\n
Speaking on RT\u00c9\u2019s Morning Ireland, IRHA President Ger Hyland said there would not be further fuel protests this autumn, as long as Government continues its “working relationship” with the association.<\/p>\n
“As an association, we’re negotiating with the Government on an ongoing basis,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Hyland said he believed it would be an act of “political madness” to unwind the fuel supports, especially next month.<\/p>\n
“You’ll have kids going back to school, you’ll have a host of extra costs coming in on top of families, when they’re starting to buy fuel for the winter and whatever else,” he said.<\/p>\n
My Hyland said the IRHA will remain negotiating with the Government while a route exists to support the haulage industry.<\/p>\n
“While we see a reason to deal with Government and talk with Government, we won’t be protesting,” he said.<\/p>\n