Filling stations around the country are reporting shortages of fuel today (Thursday, April 9).

Fuel protestors are continuing to stage blockades at ports in counties Cork, Limerick and Galway, along with a key fuel refinery at Whitegate, Co. Cork.

This is having a significant impact on fuel availability around the country.

Queues amid fuel shortages

There have been long queues at some filling stations across the country today as motorists have been rushing to fill their vehicles amid panic over supplies.

Businesses have been updating customers on what availability is like.

Lisavaird Co-op has informed farmers that it has "taken the decision to temporarily suspend the sale of white diesel at our Lisavaird, Ballycummer and Manch locations".

"This measure is being introduced to prioritise animal welfare across our supplier base by ensuring continuity of essential services, including milk collection and animal feed deliveries," the co-op said.

"The suspension will remain in place until normal deliveries of vehicle fuels resume. Petrol and green diesel are unaffected currently."

Earlier today, there was no petrol or diesel availability at the only filling station on Achill Island, Co. Mayo.

A notice at the pumps of Circle K Lavelles said that "due to protests and blockades at fuel depots our delivery that was due yesterday has been delayed".

This afternoon, it updated customers that a fuel delivery had arrived, news that was met with much relief.

In Castlebar, Co, Mayo, Mulroy’s Londis Moneen Roundabout said that it is out of fuel, but "we will have delivery of fuel later on this afternoon".

Daybreak in Ballinderreen, Co. Galway thanked its customers for their "continued support" as it informed them earlier today that it had temporarily ran out of petrol.

"We want to reassure you that diesel remains available as normal," it said.

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

"We are working closely with our suppliers and hope to have petrol back in stock as soon as possible."

Ongoing disruption

An Inver station on the Limerick Road in Co. Tipperary said earlier this afternoon that "due to ongoing disruption affecting access to the Foynes fuel terminal, we are currently experiencing delays in fuel deliveries".

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to continue serving our customers," it said.

Some filling stations have also introduced maximum purchase amounts for fuel to manage supplies.

Londis Templemore told motorists today that "as a temporary measure a maximum purchase of €20 petrol/diesel per customer will only be allowed until further notice".

It said "this is to be fair to all our customers and is in place until normal fuel deliveries resume".

"We regret any inconvenience," it added.

There remains significant disruption to travel as a result of ongoing protests, with businesses responding to this also.

Kildare Chilling in Co. Kildare has told suppliers that due to the protests on roads, quieter routes should be used to get to the factory, saying it is better to avoid the M7.

Kerry Agri also informed customers that "due to the ongoing ports blockade, feed production at our mill is disrupted".

"This interruption will continue until the blockade is resolved and access to raw materials is restored."

Protests

Protests across the country over high fuel prices have entered a third day.

The protests, which began on Tuesday, have seen slow-moving convoys of tractors, trucks, buses and other vehicles on motorways.

Protesters have called on the government to reduce fuel duties and remove carbon taxes on green diesel.

The protesters are calling for a meeting with government, however the Taoiseach and senior ministers have stated they will engage with national representative bodies.

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan stated today that the blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.

An Garda Síochána is advising fuel protestors to immediately cease blockades of critical infrastructure or "face the full rigours of the law".

Speaking today, deputy commissioner, policing operations at An Garda Síochána, Shawna Coxon said blockades are "putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed".