Motorists are expected to get further financial relief regarding the cost of fuel at the petrol pumps, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has signalled.
It comes as the Government is planning for “all eventualities” but does not anticipate a rationing of fuel.
Speaking in Cork on Wednesday, Mr Martin said at this stage, he does not believe there will be rationing this winter.
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He said: “Our immediate concern is continuing price and the impact of the shortage of the energy crisis we are currently experiencing.
“We have to prepare for all eventualities but we do have NORA and reserves and so on.
“At this stage, we don’t anticipate that [rationing at petrol pumps] but the situation in relation to the continuation of Russia’s supply of gas in particular to Europe will be a matter of ongoing concern and impact.
“We currently import a lot of our gas from Norway and the United Kingdom and in terms of oil we have reserves but the global situation is very, very challenging so we’ve a plan for all eventualities.
“But we don’t anticipate that at this stage.”
The Fianna Fáil leader indicated the Budget will see “more medium to longer term” cost measures to help households and motorists.
He added: “In the Budget, that will be towards the end of September, we will be looking at measures first of all that can deal with the more medium to longer term issues around costs for people but also in terms of the cost of living package that will be in parallel with the budget, that we can do something immediate for people to alleviate pressures in this calendar year and before the end of the year.”
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