FTA Ireland has warned that volatility in global fuel markets could threaten haulage operations across the country
Fuel price volatility driven by rising tensions in the Middle East is prompting urgent calls for government action, with FTA Ireland warning that transport and logistics firms are already feeling the pressure.
The organisation, which represents businesses responsible for moving goods across the Irish economy, says recent developments in global fuel markets are beginning to filter through to domestic prices. Heating oil costs have already risen sharply, while petrol and diesel prices have also increased in recent days.
FTA Ireland is now urging the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to examine the energy retail market and address any unfair pricing practices as quickly as possible.
Niall Cotton, chief executive of FTA Ireland, said recent developments in the fuel market are causing growing concern for companies that keep Ireland’s supply chains moving.
“Recent behaviour in the fuel market is causing concern for our members, which supply everything in the economy, every day,” he said.
The transport and logistics sector operates on narrow margins, Cotton added, meaning sudden increases in input costs can quickly put pressure on businesses.
“Our industry operates on extremely tight margins and cannot absorb rapid input cost shocks,” he said.
According to FTA Ireland, continued volatility in fuel prices — particularly when linked to international instability — could have immediate consequences for haulage operations.
“Sustained volatility in fuel prices, particularly those driven by international instability, will place additional, immediate pressure on haulage operations and their viability,” Cotton warned.
In response, the organisation is calling on the Irish government to introduce targeted short-term and strategic measures aimed at stabilising the operating environment for the sector.
Cotton said the industry needs support to maintain confidence and ensure companies can continue delivering for Irish businesses.
“We need government to consider a suite of targeted, short term and strategic measures… which will reassure industry and stabilise operating processes to maintain trading conditions,” he said.
Without intervention, he warned that rising fuel costs could ripple across the wider economy.
“Otherwise, uncontrolled price increases will have a significant impact on the trading environment for our sector and, ultimately, the rest of Ireland’s economy.”
FTA Ireland has outlined three steps it believes could help stabilise the sector while global uncertainty continues.
The first would involve exploring temporary mechanisms to offset current market volatility and cushion haulage operators from sudden price shocks.
Secondly, the organisation is calling for the CCPC’s review of the fuel retail market to be accelerated, alongside greater transparency among fuel retailers so operators can make informed purchasing decisions.
The third proposal involves introducing temporary support measures for transport and logistics firms if market volatility persists, helping protect both the sector and the wider economy in the short to medium term.
FTA Ireland says it is continuing to monitor global developments closely and is seeking urgent engagement with government to ensure international events do not unfairly impact the sector.
“FTA Ireland is keeping a close watch on global developments,” Cotton said, adding that it is vital the government works with industry to prevent unjustified price increases being passed on to transport businesses.
He warned that protecting the sector is essential to maintaining the steady flow of goods across the country.
“For the sake of our members, it is vital that government works with our sector to ensure unfair price rises are not passed on to our industry, so we can keep Ireland’s economy and society supplied with all that they need, despite pressures created by international events.”
FTA Ireland is a membership organisation representing businesses across the transport and logistics sector. The group provides support, training and advocacy for companies involved in supply chains, promoting safe, efficient and sustainable transport operations across Ireland.