Irish Retail Fuel Sales Value Up 7.7% in March Amid Energy Price Shock

The euro value of Irish retail fuel sales, including diesel and petrol, increased by 7.7 per cent in March from February, according to provisional data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This reflects the initial impact of the global energy price shock following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Compared to March last year, fuel sales values were up 10.5 per cent.

Fuel sales volumes, however, rose by only 0.1 per cent from February and 1.4 per cent annually. Tommy Allen, a CSO statistician, noted this divergence between value and volume indicates inflation in the sector. Energy prices have climbed 15.5 per cent over the last 12 months and 2.6 per cent in April alone. Wholesale electricity prices also increased by 19.2 per cent last month compared to February.

Ireland, relying on imported natural gas for about half its energy needs, is significantly exposed to international energy market fluctuations. The CSO reported that its wholesale price index for all energy products purchased by the manufacturing industry rose 15.2 per cent between February and March, though it was 0.2 per cent lower than March 2025.

Overall, retail sales volumes saw a modest 0.2 per cent increase from February to March and 1.6 per cent annually. The value of retail sales increased 0.5 per cent in the month and 3.8 per cent from March 2025. Bar sales declined 2.7 per cent in March from February, despite St Patrick’s Day, but were up 0.4 per cent year-on-year.