Regan Brown
Ireland is heavily dependent on imported energy sources, with 85% of its energy coming from outside its borders in 2014. The country has a high dependence on oil, which includes crude oil, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and home heating oil. Oil accounts for 45-49% of Ireland's primary energy needs, with transport being the biggest user at 62% of all oil consumed. The price of diesel fuel in Ireland has seen an overall increase since 2000, reaching 1.32 euros per liter in 2021. While Ireland has diverse energy sources for electricity production, including gas, coal, peat, oil, and renewables, its energy security is impacted by the dominance of imported fossil fuels and the need for fuel diversity, especially in the transport sector.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel prices in Ireland | Diesel prices amounted to 1.32 euros per liter in 2021, with an overall increase since 2000. |
| Fuel prices compared to the EU | The average price of diesel and petrol in Ireland is €1.80 per liter, higher than the EU average. |
| Energy sources | Ireland's energy comes from oil (45-56%), gas (31-34%), coal (10-14%), and renewables (13-18%). |
| Oil dependence | Ireland has one of the highest oil dependencies in the EU, with 45-49% of energy use derived from oil. |
| Gas imports | Ireland imports 75% of its gas, mainly from the UK, and produces the rest from the Corrib gas field. |
| Electricity generation | 46% of electricity is generated from natural gas, 14% from coal, 18% from wind, 8.8% from peat, and 2.5% from hydroelectricity. |
| Transport sector | The transport sector is almost entirely dependent on oil-based products, with 62% of oil consumption. |
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What You'll Learn
Ireland's fuel sources
Ireland has a high dependence on imported energy, with about 85% of its energy coming from imported sources in 2014, compared to an EU average of 50%. The country has a small proven deposit of fossil fuels, making it dependent on imports. Oil and gas are the most imported sources of energy, with oil accounting for 45% to 56% of Ireland's primary energy needs, and gas accounting for 27% to 34%. Ireland's dependence on oil is one of the highest in the European Union, with transport being the biggest consumer, accounting for 62% of oil consumption.
The majority of Ireland's gas supply is imported from the UK through an underwater pipeline network originating in Moffat, Scotland. The remaining gas, about 25%, is sourced from the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo, which is expected to be depleted by 2025. Ireland also has a coal reserve for the Moneypoint power station, the country's largest power plant. In addition, the country uses peat, a fuel composed of decayed plants and other organic matter found in swampy lowlands, for electricity generation and domestic heating.
Ireland has been investing in renewable energy sources, with wind power being the most significant, accounting for 18% to 32% of the country's energy supply. Other renewable sources include hydro, landfill gas, biomass, and biogas. The Irish government aims to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources to 80% to reduce energy import dependency.
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Diesel price history
Ireland has one of the highest oil dependencies in the European Union, with oil accounting for 45% of the country's primary energy needs. Two-thirds of imported oil comes in the form of petrol, diesel, and kerosene. In terms of diesel price history, Ireland has witnessed an overall increase in diesel fuel prices since 2000, with prices reaching 1.32 euros per litre in 2021. From 2009 to 2012, prices rose sharply, peaking at 1.55 euros per litre in 2012. The subsequent four years saw annual decreases, but prices have been on the rise since 2016. Monthly diesel prices peaked in the fall of 2018 at 124.9 British pence per litre, before experiencing a notable drop during the coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020. However, the Europe-wide energy supply shortage in 2021 significantly impacted liquid fuel prices, pushing diesel prices past 120 pence per litre during the summer and fall.
As of 2024, the average price of diesel in Ireland is around €1.80 per litre. This price is subject to change and can vary depending on location and time. To find the best prices, individuals can utilise real-time price-tracking platforms that provide updates and historical data on fuel prices across Irish counties.
The high diesel prices in Ireland can be attributed to various factors, including the country's dependence on oil imports and the recent energy supply shortages. Additionally, the demand for diesel, which is primarily used for transport, residential and business heating, and electricity generation, also influences price fluctuations.
Ireland's energy landscape is evolving, with a growing focus on renewable sources. While renewables currently account for a small portion of the country's energy requirements, there are targets in place to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources, which could help reduce Ireland's dependence on energy imports and potentially stabilise fuel prices in the future.
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Diesel price factors
The price of diesel in Ireland has been influenced by various factors over the years, and there has been an overall increase in diesel prices since 2000, with prices peaking at 1.55 euros per litre in 2012. The price of diesel is determined by a multitude of factors, including those that are local and global.
Crude Oil Prices
Crude oil prices are determined by the worldwide demand for and supply of crude oil. The cost of crude oil accounts for a significant portion of the price of diesel fuel. As diesel fuel is derived from crude oil, fluctuations in the price of crude oil directly impact the price of diesel.
Market Conditions
The retail price of diesel reflects local market conditions, such as the location and ownership of retail outlets. The cost of doing business, including overhead, local real estate costs, and taxes, varies depending on the dealer's location. Even neighbouring retail stations can have different traffic patterns, costs, and sources of supply, leading to price variations. Additionally, the number and location of local competitors can also influence diesel prices. High-volume truck stops, for instance, tend to offer diesel at lower prices compared to smaller-volume service stations.
Demand and Supply
The demand for diesel fuel is influenced by economic growth, transportation needs, and industrial activity. Diesel fuel is a major transportation fuel, and its demand generally follows economic trends. International demand for distillate fuel also impacts diesel prices. Changes in demand for heating oil can affect diesel prices, as the two fuels are practically the same.
Energy Sources
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the use of alternative energy sources, such as electricity and natural gas, leading to a slight decline in the demand for diesel fuel. However, diesel remains a crucial energy source, especially in the transportation sector, and is expected to continue playing a significant role in the global energy mix.
Import Dependency
Ireland's high dependence on imported oil, including diesel, makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the global oil market. Any disruptions in the supply of oil or gas can significantly impact diesel prices in the country.
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Diesel vs other fuel types
Ireland has one of the highest oil dependencies in the European Union. Oil accounts for 45% of the country's primary energy needs, with gas accounting for another 34%. All oil used in Ireland is imported, with two-thirds of it coming in the form of petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
Diesel fuel is produced from various sources, the most common being petroleum. Other sources include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction. Diesel engines have nearly half the market share in Europe, and advancements in technology have made diesel a clean, green option for drivers seeking high-powered engines without sacrificing efficiency. Diesel engines do not have spark plugs, instead, they use extreme compression to generate the heat required for ignition. This makes them more efficient on highways than in cities. Diesel fuel also packs more energy per gallon than gasoline, making it more economical.
However, diesel engines used to have a reputation for being noisy, and while this issue has been largely resolved, it may still be a concern for some. Gasoline engines offer better acceleration and are generally quieter and more suitable for lighter vehicles. They are also more cost-effective upfront, making them a more practical choice for personal vehicles used for everyday commuting, city driving, or occasional long trips.
Ultimately, the choice between diesel and gasoline engines depends on specific needs and priorities. Diesel engines are ideal for heavy-duty applications, long-distance travel, and commercial vehicles where long-term reliability and lower total ownership costs are critical. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, are more suited to lighter vehicles and everyday driving.
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Ireland's energy security
Ireland is one of the most energy-import-dependent countries in the EU, with oil accounting for the largest share of energy imports. In 2019, oil, including crude oil and oil products such as diesel and petrol, accounted for 72% of all energy imports. This heavy dependence on oil imports is largely due to energy use in transport, with transport accounting for 42% of final energy demand in 2019. In 2023, 55.6% of all energy consumed in Ireland was oil products, with biofuels accounting for 8.5% of energy in road diesel. Ireland's dependence on oil is one of the highest in the European Union, with oil accounting for 45% of the country's primary energy needs.
Gas is another significant factor in Ireland's energy security, with gas imports increasing by 40% in 2019 due to declining indigenous production. In 2021, 71% of natural gas was imported, with 75% coming from the UK through a pipeline starting in Scotland. The remainder of Ireland's gas comes from the Corrib gas field, which was recently announced to have the potential to extend its operations for 20 to 30 more years with sufficient investment and expansion. This could help reduce Ireland's future energy-import dependency.
To enhance energy security and reduce import dependency, Ireland is focusing on increasing renewable energy sources. Currently, renewables account for 13% of Ireland's energy requirements, with wind being the primary source. The country aims to increase the share of electricity generated from renewables to 80% and enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, the Irish government is undertaking a review of the energy security of its gas and electricity systems, focusing on the period up to 2030, with a commitment to a sustainable transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. This review considers potential risks to natural gas and electricity supplies and explores measures such as additional import capacity, energy storage, and fuel diversification.
While Ireland faces significant challenges in its energy system, the transition to a net-zero emissions future, increased renewable energy production, and reduced demand for imported fossil fuels are positive steps towards greater energy security.
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Frequently asked questions
No, fuel in Ireland is not mainly diesel. While diesel is used, particularly in the transport sector, Ireland's energy comes from a variety of sources, including oil, gas, coal, renewables, and others.
It is unclear what percentage of Ireland's energy comes from diesel specifically, but diesel is a part of Ireland's oil consumption, which accounts for 45% to 49% of the country's primary energy needs.
The price of diesel in Ireland has been increasing since 2016 and was €1.80 per liter in 2024, which is higher than prices in the past decade. However, it is challenging to compare fuel prices across different regions without considering other factors, such as purchasing power and fuel efficiency.
