Extension of farmer fuel supports being considered ahead of Budget 2027

News · 25 September 2026. No extension has been formally announced.

An extension of fuel supports for farmers and agricultural contractors is being considered ahead of Budget 2027, as high diesel costs continue to put pressure on the sector.

The Irish Independent reports that extending the support is now on the cards amid concern over further protests. Separately, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has already said the Government is looking at fuel, fodder and fertiliser supports as part of the Budget process.

What support already exists?

Earlier this year, the Government introduced a fuel support scheme for farmers and agricultural contractors after a sharp rise in energy costs.

RTÉ reported that up to 120,000 farmers and 1,500 full-time agricultural contractors were eligible, with the package combining direct support and excise reductions.

Agricultural contractors have since called for unused money from that scheme to be redirected into further support as diesel prices remain high.

Is an extension confirmed?

No.

Budget 2027 negotiations are still ongoing, and the exact form of any additional farmer fuel support has not been announced.

The Government has also been under wider pressure over fuel prices. Hauliers have warned that further protests cannot be ruled out if diesel costs remain at current levels.

For now, the key point is that additional support is being actively considered, but the amount, eligibility rules and timing are still undecided.

Budget 2027 is due on 6 October 2026.

For the wider measures under discussion, see Compound’s Budget 2027 tracker.

For a practical estimate of what diesel price changes mean over your own annual mileage or machinery use, use Compound’s Fuel Cost Calculator. The broader package of measures under discussion is tracked in the Budget 2027 guide.