An increase to the cost of cigarettes and fuel are among the first Budget 2024 measures to take effect. From this morning, it will cost you 2 cent more for petrol, and 2 and a half cent more for diesel following the implementation of the carbon tax.
While a standard box of 20 cigarettes now costs around 16 euro 75 cent. Excise duty increases have been put off until next April and August.
Finance Minister Michael McGrath says the government will re-assess the situation then.
"It's hard to know where we will be next April or next August," he explained. "There has been a lot of volatility in the international energy markets, not least in the cost of a barrel of oil has fluctuated so much in recent weeks, the relative strength of the dollar to the euro has been a factor as well and other inputs such as refining costs."
