Ireland fuel protests escalate

The Republic of Ireland is facing a political and logistical crisis as a week-long wave of fuel protests intensifies.

Drivers and agricultural contractors have used large vehicles to paralyze traffic in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, demanding immediate cuts to excise duties as energy costs soar due to the Middle East conflict.

While the government's latest financial package aims to ease the burden on households, it has failed to quell the unrest, leading to a planned vote of no confidence in the Dáil.

Business leaders warn that supply chains will take days to return to normal even if the blockades are lifted immediately.