Major ‘death of businesses’ alert over planned tax hike amid fears move will hit families in pocket & cost State cash [Video]

A PLANNED fuel tax hike will shut down hard-pressed businesses and see shoppers flock north of the border, the Dail heard.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin said forecourt owners are “dreading” the move, expected in October, branding it a “lose-lose for everyone.”

Figures show fuel prices have risen by more than 30 per cent in the past three years.

Deputy Harkin said that before the Covid pandemic hit petrol was 58c a litre cheaper than today and diesel 63c cheaper.

Addressing Junior Finance Minister Neale Richmond, she said: “When are these prices going to stop soaring?”

Speaking during a Sinn Fein motion on the cost-of-living crisis, she added: “Fuel prices go directly to the heart of the matter.”

The next fuel price increase, which has not yet been detailed, is due to include both …