Britain faces mass protests as fuel nears £2 a litre and drivers in Ireland revolt | UK | News
Britain could be on the brink of mass protests (Image: Getty)
Britain could be on the brink of mass protests as fuel prices surge towards £2 a litre, with farmers and hauliers warning of growing anger over soaring costs.
Analysis reported by The Telegraph shows diesel is now being sold at more than £2 per litre at more than 50 filling stations across the UK, with some of the highest prices far exceeding that level. At one forecourt on the Isle of Skye, diesel has reached as much as £2.28 per litre, while other locations have recorded prices above £2.20. Petrol prices are also climbing, with some stations charging close to £1.99 per litre.
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Farmers in Ireland took to the streets to protest against rising fuel prices (Image: Getty)
The sharp rise has been linked to global supply pressures following the conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted energy markets and driven up wholesale costs.
Behind the scenes, discussions are taking place among farming groups about organising protests similar to those seen in Ireland, where demonstrations have already caused widespread disruption.
A source involved in the talks warned that frustration is reaching a breaking point. “We’ve hit the £2 mark on a litre of diesel. That’s a scary place to be. It will be a matter of time before people in this country start to go out and protest.
“Farmers are the last people who want to go out and protest. You have to remember this is a very busy time of the year for us. But with the inheritance tax protests, you’ve got the groups that have been set up. The infrastructure is there to mobilise.
“Discussions have been had, and there will be a few people coming together at the beginning of next week to see what can be done.”
Fuel shortages and price spikes have already triggered major protests in Ireland, where farmers and truckers have blockaded key routes and critical infrastructure.
Demonstrators targeted the Whitegate refinery in County Cork, a vital facility that supplies the country’s petrol and diesel. The protests led to significant disruption, with reports that around half of Ireland’s petrol stations were at risk of running dry.
Police, working alongside the armed forces, moved in to clear the blockade, using pepper spray during clashes with protesters.
Authorities warned that the situation posed a serious threat to essential services. In a statement, the Gardaí said action was taken due to risks to “emergency public services, including ambulance and fire services”.
The Irish government has since been forced into urgent talks, with a fuel support package being finalised in response to the crisis.
While mainland Britain has not yet seen similar scenes, protests are expected to begin in Northern Ireland, where a “day of action” has been scheduled.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it is closely monitoring the situation and carrying out ongoing assessments.
Back in Britain, pressure is mounting on ministers as the cost of diesel continues to rise, particularly for farmers reliant on red diesel, which has also seen sharp price increases and reports of rationing.
