Fuel Price Volatility: Immediate Action Required with regards to Diesel Fuel & Ferry Surcharges
Following the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, global energy markets are again under pressure and fuel prices are rising sharply.
The Irish haulage industry is entirely dependent on diesel fuel to operate. This renewed volatility is creating serious cost instability for operators at a time when margins remain extremely tight. Road transport underpins the wider Irish economy and national supply chains, protecting the viability of our sector is essential to maintaining continuity of service for customers across all industries.
The below demonstrates the ongoing rate of fuel price increases over the past weeks:
From 28-1-26 to today, fuel prices increased overall by 20 cents + VAT and rising at an abnormal rate e.g. up 8c today.
Members must take immediate steps to protect business sustainability and maintain service levels:
1) Immediate commercial action – Fuel surcharge updates
It is important to note that fuel cost increases must be recovered through your transparent fuel surcharges, otherwise the additional cost falls directly on the haulage business and threatens the viability of operations.
2) International trips where it involves ferry crossing – shipping surcharges will also increase as these are linked to fuel
Members are also advised that shipping surcharges will increase on overseas ferry routes to / from Ireland (for example, BAF surcharges). Where these charges are applied by ferry operators, hauliers must ensure they are clearly identified and recharged to customers as a pass-through cost, in the same way as other unavoidable third-party charges.
3) Political action – request Government intervention
Members and their customers are strongly encouraged to contact their local TDs to seek Government intervention. During the fuel crisis arising from the war in Ukraine, temporary excise duty & NORA Tax relief measures provided essential support to the sector. Similar measures must now be considered to stabilise the industry and protect the wider economy from disruption.
4) Advise your customer
In plain terms: diesel and ferry costs are changing rapidly; haulage providers must apply and update fuel and shipping surcharges BAF to reflect real-world costs and maintain reliable service.
We urge all members to act decisively, commercially, and politically to protect the sustainability of haulage services during this period of uncertainty.
Emergency Council Meeting – Saturday 07/03/2026
The next IRHA Council Meeting will take place on Saturday, 7th March at 11:00 AM at our head office in Bracetown Business Park.
All members are warmly welcome to attend and observe. Please note, however, that only Council members will have voting rights on any decisions that arise during the meeting.
We look forward to see you all there.