Report from TheGuardian.com - Protests over fuel prices have caused chaos in Ireland and spread to Norway in an indirect effect from the conflict in the Middle East. Hauliers (truckers), farmers and other groups blocked highways and brought parts of Dublin to a standstill on Friday in a fourth consecutive day of action.
In Ireland the protests have sparked fuel shortages and travel disruption, and in Norway lorry drivers taking part in the “diesel roar” protest descended on the capital. The Irish government put the army on standby to help remove blockades and police warned some protesters to disperse or face arrest, prompting defiance and threats to continue the disruption for weeks if necessary.
Protests were endangering critical supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed, the police force, An Garda Síochána, said in a statement. “This is not tolerable and is against the law.” Government leaders have accused protesters of holding the country to “ransom”.
The blockade of ports and a refinery meant Ireland was on the verge of turning away oil deliveries and losing its supply, the taoiseach, Micheál Martin, told RTÉ. “It is unconscionable, it’s illogical.” Despite government mitigation measures, in recent weeks the price of diesel has risen from about €1.70 a litre to €2.17 ($ 8.20 a gallon) and petrol has jumped from about €1.74 to €1.97. ($7.46 a gallon).
The Irish government takes 50% of gas price in taxes and levies/fees..
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