The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has accused the government of adopting a "wait and see attitude" to the issue of price surges on fuel caused by the Middle East conflict.

ICMSA president Denis Drennan said: "It had not escaped public notice that, on the present system of add on taxes and levies, that the Irish government is actually benefitting from the alarming rise in fuel prices resulting from the war in the Persian Gulf.

According to Drennan, if the Irish government is concerned about impact of the price rise on farmers and general consumers, "then the obvious thing to do is to adjust downwards their share of the price at the pump as long as there are inflationary pressures on the wholesale market", and try and keep the prices stable that way.

Carol Nolan

Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has urged the government to “act quickly and comprehensively” to address concerns outlined by the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) following an emergency IRHA council meeting at the weekend.

At the IRHA council meeting, the association called on members to take action, up to and including rolling protests on key road arteries and transport routes.

Deputy Nolan said: "Years before the Iranian crisis erupted, the hauliers and the IRHA were pleading with the government for support and for a reduction in the exploitative tax burden that is routinely imposed on the sector.

"But no one has listened and now we are at a point where major action, which is always a last resort, looks likely."

Independent Ireland

Meanwhile, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins has accused the government of “undeniable complicity in the imposition of extortionate energy bills on Irish households and businesses".

This follows what he termed as "the government's refusal" to consider his request to suspend upcoming carbon tax increases.

He said: "We can all see that the Iranian conflict is not going to end anytime soon.

"Even if it does, the damage is already done in terms of the way it has provided an alibi for government and energy providers to jack-up prices and to continue placing their boot on the neck of the ordinary household or small business who were already struggling with arrears and practically non-existent profit margins long before this current crisis began.”

Deputy Collins called on the government to "immediately signal its willingness" to suspend the forthcoming carbon tax, as well as offering a financial support package to industries that will be most severely hit by the increases, including hauliers.