Irish hauliers have said fuel price cuts look unlikely following talks with the Republic’s Transport Minister.

The Irish Road Haulage Association met with Noel Dempsey yesterday to challenge the Minister on growing diesel excise duties, which they said is crippling their industry.

The association laid down an ultimatum to the Minister, which ended yesterday, on the possible action of a French style blockade.

The representative body had requested that the Government present innovative solutions on how it could aid the haulage sector, amid spiralling fuel prices.

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According to reports, the association called for a 20% per litre reduction on fuel charges during the meeting.

The association’s President Jimmy Quinn pointed to the fact that the cost of diesel has almost doubled since 2001, when it was just 75 cents per litre.

Mr Quinn was also critical of consignors who refuse to discuss rate increases.

However, speaking to RTE yesterday, the President said it seemed unlikely that a reduced duty would transpire.

See: Hauliers Threaten French-Style Protests Over Fuel Costs

See: No Move On Fuel Duties, Says Irish Minister

(PR)