An investigation into the theft of a possible 1,000L of green diesel from a farmer's yard is underway.

The theft was reported by a farmer in Roscommon last week.

Gardaí confirmed to Agriland that they are "investigating an incident of theft from a premises in Co. Roscommon which was reported on Tuesday, April 14, 2026".

"Investigations are ongoing," a spokesperson added.  

Agriland understands that the farmer first noticed the diesel missing when he went to fill the tractor.

The incident follows increased warnings from gardaí across the country to farmers and homeowners to secure oil tanks, amid the sharp spike in fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

It has been estimated that the price of green diesel has nearly doubled since February due to the Iran conflict.

Prices have risen from €0.97/L to about €1.80/L since late February.

Gardaí are encouraging people to install fuel tank alarms and to use anti-siphoning devices, especially if an oil tank is in an isolated area, in a bid to deter fuel thefts.

Gardaí have also said that farmers, businesses and homeowners should consider installing CCTV and use lockable access gates, and erect lockable fencing around an oil tank, including over the top.

Green diesel

Last week the government announced a €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to help farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers "facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs".

The payments will cover the months of March up to the end of July which also coincides with peak fuel usage season for field work on farms.

According to the government the scheme will provide €20 million per month in supports, "with funding directly linked to fuel usage last year to ensure those most impacted by the fuel price increase receive the greatest assistance".

The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has said it expects that this scheme will include up to a 20c/L payment to agricultural and forestry contractors as a lump sum based on their fuel usage levels between March 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025.

The government has also reduced the excise on green diesel by a further 2.4 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on green diesel to 7.4 cent (VAT inclusive).

However, the Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture and food, Martin Kenny, said the government's fuel support package does not go far enough to support Irish farm families and agri-contractors.