Thousands of motorists will be hit by a jump in fuel excise duty from tonight.
The hike is the first of three increases in excise duty rates for petrol and diesel. The cost of petrol is set to rise by 6 cents per litre while diesel will see an increase of 5 cents per litre from June 1.
A survey from Taxback revealed that a total of seven out of ten people believe that the Government should continue with the current reduced excise rates on petrol and diesel and not restore them to their original state because struggling families and businesses need the continued support to survive.
Read more: Cost of living: Motorists urged to fuel up ahead of excise hike
Consumer Tax Manager of Taxback Marian Ryan said: "The return of excise duty norms poses a serious risk to households as they continue to grapple with higher energy costs. Although some people might try to cut back on using the car in the summer months by biking or walking to work and school, for a lot of people, this is simply not possible.
"Families living in rural locations will be particularly hit with these reinstated prices." Although pump prices have started to fall in recent months, the upcoming excise duty hikes mean that any relief felt by motorists in their pocket will be short-lived, Ms Ryan added.
She said: "The Government should not be lured into a false sense of security as a result of the advent of summer. The upcoming excise duty increases will push up the cost of living for many people and as we all know, the Irish summer is a short one."
Read next:
Two children found clinging to buoy rescued off Dublin coast
Inside Ryan Tubridy's secret afterparty following final Late Late Show
Football legend Ian Wright spotted in popular Dublin city centre pub
Blanchardstown fire repairs sees 13 families out of 60 unable to return home
Kendrick Lamar stuns fans with new music video filmed in St Stephen's Green shopping centre
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
