Petrol prices in Ireland: Fears of €2 per litre as Iran conflict drives up costs – Here's what the AA recommends

Anyone filling up their car these days is feeling the pinch directly in their wallet: Petrol prices in Ireland are on the rise again. What many drivers are already noticing at the pump has a solid political background. The escalating conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are driving global oil prices upwards – and Ireland isn't being spared.

Here's why filling up is getting more expensive

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most crucial waterways, handling about a fifth of global oil trade. Recent hostilities and statements from Tehran have severely disrupted supply chains. The result: the price of crude oil has absolutely skyrocketed within days. Even though the petrol we're using today was bought and refined weeks ago, importers are passing on these increased procurement costs to consumers after a slight delay. So, it's less about "gouging," as some might mutter at the till, and more a direct knock-on effect from international markets. We felt the first wave back in late February, and it likely won't be the last.

Is the €2 per litre mark in sight?

The big question on everyone's mind now is: just how high will Irish petrol prices go? Experts at the Irish Petroleum Industry Association expect we could soon see the €2 per litre mark again. Roland Bilang, the association's director, warns that prices will continue to climb in the coming days and weeks. The last time we saw these levels was during the energy crisis following the Ukraine war, when prices briefly shot past €2.20. Then, as now, geopolitical crises mean oil company coffers are ringing – and drivers are footing the bill. The National Consumer Agency can only watch helplessly, as it lacks the legal power to challenge these "opportunistic" price hikes, as was recently highlighted in an interview. Energy economist Nicolas Pages shares the gloomy outlook: "Uncertainty remains the biggest price driver – and the markets are reacting to it like a Frankenstein's monster, difficult to control."

The AA as your guide through the pricing chaos

But it's not as hopeless as it sounds. The AA - Automobile Association offers an excellent fuel price tracker to help you hunt for a bargain. Because one thing is clear: comparison sites like AA Ireland consistently show massive price differences. If you simply pull into the next motorway service station, you'll pay over the odds. But with a bit of searching, you can make substantial savings. Here are a few strategies to beat the madness:

• Avoid motorways: Filling stations along major routes are traditionally the most expensive. Prices here can easily top €2, while it's significantly cheaper in nearby towns.
• Use comparison apps: Whether it's the AA's fuel price tool or services like Cheap Fuel Prices — Fillzz – a quick glance at your phone before heading out can save you real money. It's particularly worthwhile near the border or in areas with lots of stations.
• Location, location, location saves money: The AA's 2025 analysis shows that you'll find the cheapest unleaded 95 and 98 in counties like Leitrim or Longford. It gets pricier in Wicklow or Dublin city centre. For maximum savings, you might consider a trip to Northern Ireland, where prices can sometimes be lower, though you need to factor in the exchange rate and travel costs.
• Don't be surprised by regional quirks: Pricing policies are often opaque. While some operators like Circle K have openly communicated price hikes, others like Applegreen or independent stations are more tight-lipped, often pointing to local dealer decisions.

A look at the current figures

To put this in perspective: back in early February, the average price for a litre of unleaded 95 was around €1.67. Those days are gone for now. Many stations, including some of the supermarket chains, have already hiked prices to €1.75. And it's set to continue. I'd predict that within the next two weeks, we'll see the €2 mark appearing in many places. The situation is fluid, and hopes for a swift end to the conflict have sadly faded. Uncertainty remains the biggest price driver.

So stay vigilant, compare prices – you might even spot the odd station that hasn't quite caught up yet. In times like these, filling up your car becomes a strategic task.