Pearse Doherty, finance spokesperson for Sinn Féin, has announced plans to introduce emergency legislation in the Dáil Éireann aimed at reducing the cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil as fuel prices rise above €2 per litre.

The proposed Mineral Oil Tax (Emergency Cost of Living Reduction) Bill 2026 would introduce temporary reductions in fuel taxes for a six-month emergency period, with the aim of providing relief to households, workers and farmers facing rising energy costs.

Speaking about the proposal, Doherty said fuel suppliers are already warning that prices could increase further.

"Diesel prices being quoted to forecourts are already above €2 per litre and suppliers are warning that prices will rise further.

"Families and workers simply cannot absorb these increases. The government must step in and act."

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Under the proposed legislation, excise duty on home heating oil would be removed entirely, while excise on petrol and diesel would be reduced by 20 cents per litre—equating to around a 25 cent reduction at the pump. The bill would also cut excise duty on green diesel used by farmers.

According to Doherty, the measures could reduce the cost of filling a typical 1,000-litre home heating oil tank by approximately €183. The reductions would remain under review and could be adjusted depending on changes in market prices.

The Donegal TD also criticised the government's planned carbon tax increase.

"Instead of helping households, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael plan to increase the carbon tax on home heating oil in a matter of weeks. That is completely wrong when families are already under enormous pressure."

He argued that the government has scope to intervene through existing fuel tax levels.

"Ireland currently charges almost double the EU minimum fuel tax rates, meaning there is clear scope to reduce excise as an emergency response.

"Between 60% and 65% of what people pay at the pump goes to the state in tax. That burden must be reduced."

Doherty said Sinn Féin intends to bring the legislation before the Dáil in the coming days.

"Families cannot wait while the government holds meetings and reviews. This legislation would immediately reduce the cost of heating homes, filling the car and keeping the economy moving."