LIMERICK Aontú campaigner and the party’s National Executive Secretary Sarah Beasley has expressed concern over recent spikes in energy costs.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, Ms Beasley predicted devastating consequences for the most vulnerable people and families in the city and county.
“Families that have to use their cars several times a day are being crippled. Activities like school runs in the rain, going to the shop, and visiting friends are all under consideration now that people are already stretched to the max with the cost of living increases hitting hard,” she explained.
“Over the past few months, I’ve heard heart breaking stories of families put under immense stress because of the cost of fuel. This is cutting families and commuters to the bone. They’re losing money hand over fist.”
Ms Beasley now wants to see the Government reduce fuel tax.
“Recently we’ve seen the cost of crude oil plummet. Despite this, we’re still seeing fuel prices at 220.7 cent per litre in some service stations this month. The reality is the cost of fuel crisis is being caused by a mix of profiteering and over taxation.
“People are paying up to €120 to fill their car with fuel. €50 of this is going straight to the Government in tax. It is scandalous that the government are making more on fuel tax now than they did before the cost of living crisis. The government has four taxes currently placed on fuel – excise duty, carbon tax, the NORA levy, and VAT. Excise duty alone adds 52 cent. With tax accounting for 46.09 per cent and 41.47 per cent for petrol and diesel respectively, we can’t allow the government to hide behind the excuse that this crisis is out of their hands.
“Between allowing private profiteering, being afraid to stand up to the EU on VAT the government must stop using excuses to avoid tackling this crisis”.
