Rising Fuel Prices Spark Concerns and Scrutiny

Motorists across Ireland are facing increasing costs at the pump, with prices for both petrol and diesel rising in February 2026. The increases have prompted accusations of “price gouging,” though fuel retailers deny these claims. The Enterprise Minister has responded by calling an urgent meeting with the fuels industry and urging consumers to report any suspected breaches of consumer or competition law to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

Current Fuel Prices Across Ireland (February 2026)

According to the AA, the national average price of a litre of unleaded petrol in February 2026 was 173c, while diesel averaged 172c. These figures represent an increase from January, when petrol cost 170c and diesel 169c per litre.

Regional Price Variations

Prices vary significantly depending on location. Here’s a snapshot of prices at select stations as of February 2026:

Cork

• Inver, Dublin Road, Fermoy: Petrol 175.9c, Diesel 173.9c
• Maxol, Clonakilty: Petrol 179.9c, Diesel 179.9c
• Maxol, Donnybrook, Douglas: Petrol 179.9c, Diesel 184.9c

Dublin

• Maxol Kimmage Cross Roads (KCR): Petrol 175.9c, Diesel 175.9c
• Texaco Ballygall, Dublin 11: Petrol 184.9c, Diesel 183.9c
• Circle K Ballymun Road: Petrol 181.9c, Diesel 180.9c
• Top, Strand Road Portmarnock: Petrol 183.9c, Diesel 185.9c
• Circle K, Naas Road: Petrol 180.8c, Diesel 182.8c
• Applegreen, Monastery Road, Clondalkin: Petrol 174.8c, Diesel 177.8c
• Circle K, Nutgrove, Rathfarnham: Petrol 177.8c, Diesel 179.8c
• Top, Howth Road: Petrol 177.9c, Diesel 177.9c
• Applegreen, Sarsfield Road: Petrol 177.8c, Diesel 177.8c
• Applegreen, Kinsealy: Petrol 181.9c, Diesel 183.8c
• Maxol, Swords Road: Petrol 179.9c, Diesel 180.9c

Kildare

• Circle K, Dublin Rd: Petrol 181.9c, Diesel 183.9c

Government Response and Consumer Advice

The Irish government has distanced itself from providing cost-of-living supports for fuel, unlike measures taken following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected breaches of consumer or competition law to the CCPC. But, the extent of the CCPC’s powers to intervene remains unclear.

Broader Context: Global Energy Markets and Geopolitical Factors

While local factors contribute to price fluctuations, it’s significant to consider the broader context of global energy markets. Recent events, such as disruptions to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) due to drone attacks , can impact oil supply and prices. The February 17, 2025, drone strike on the Kropotkinskaya station, part of the CPC, caused significant damage and potentially reduced Kazakhstan’s oil exports by 30% for up to two months. Russia has been accused of using these events in propaganda efforts, linking the attack to U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Ukraine’s targeting of Russia’s oil and gas sector, as well as attacks on Russian industrial sites , adds to the volatility in the energy market. Russia’s sensitivity to attacks on its oil refineries, due to their central role in the national economy, also influences market dynamics.

China’s continued support for Russia, including the provision of technology and advanced equipment , further complicates the geopolitical landscape and potentially impacts energy supply chains.