Around 600 gas stations in Ireland run dry amid fuel depot blockades

Around 600 of Ireland’s 1,600 gas stations have run out of fuel amid the ongoing blockades of fuel depots, according to Fuels for Ireland, RTE reported on Saturday, as supply disruptions continue across the country.

“If everything remains as it is, that is to say that the three facilities remain blockaded, then I don’t think we could guarantee fuel at any forecourt by very early next week, Monday morning or Monday perhaps,” Fuels for Ireland CEO Kevin McPartlan told RTE.

He warned that the number of affected stations could increase significantly if access to fuel terminals remains blocked, adding that up to two-thirds of petrol stations could be out of stock by the end of the day if the situation continues.

McPartlan said just over one third of Ireland’s 1,600 gas stations are currently without fuel, urging the public not to panic buy.

He said Ireland has sufficient fuel supplies but access to terminals is needed to restore distribution.

“If the Gardai (Irish police) can secure those routes in and out of those terminals, as we hope they will do today, we should be able to start restoring normal service,” he said.

He added that it could take several days, or up to a week, to fully restock stations once access is restored.

McPartlan also said he was disappointed with the state response ahead of the protests, adding that a “lessons-learned exercise” will be carried out once the situation is resolved.