Irish Consumer Confidence Hits Lowest Since December 2022 Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Irish consumer confidence dropped to its lowest point since December 2022 in April, driven by increased retail fuel costs stemming from Middle East volatility. The Irish League of Credit Unions survey, authored by Austin Hughes, reported an index reading of 53.3 in April, down from 56.7 in March and 58.7 in April 2025. This decline reinforced the weakening sentiment observed in March, without significantly amplifying it.

All elements of the survey related to household finances were weak in April, with the largest monthly decline seen in the outlook for jobs. Hughes noted that consumers' assessments of their household finances over the past 12 months likely worsened due to recent energy-centred inflation. Disposable income for the average Irish consumer in Q4 2025 was estimated to be 2.4 per cent lower than a year prior.

Some 54 per cent of consumers anticipate a «significant impact» on their finances from higher energy prices. Consumers already struggling were 2.5 times more likely to report this. Only 32 per cent said they would reduce energy usage «a lot», with nearly one in five unable to alter their energy use. Nine in 10 Irish consumers expect to cut spending in other areas if energy prices remain high, with two in five planning substantial cutbacks.