The fuel protest supply chain disruption has escalated, with warnings that Ireland could face food shortages within days if blockades at key ports continue.
Chris Smith of Perennial Freight said the situation has already severely impacted freight movement, particularly at Rosslare Europort, which has remained blocked since the previous night.
Freight gridlock at key port
Smith said the fuel protest supply chain disruption has effectively halted freight traffic through Rosslare, with only pharmaceuticals allowed to move.
“The port of Rosslare has been blocked since last night, so there’s no freight allowed in or out,” he said.
He explained that trucks carrying essential goods remain stranded, while imports sit idle at the port.
“We have fresh fruit, meats, and raw materials stuck there, and we just can’t get them out,” he added.
Supplies could run out within days
Smith warned that Ireland’s tightly managed supply chains leave little margin for disruption.
“We only carry three or four days’ worth of food and beverages in this country,” he said.
“If this isn’t sorted in the next 24 hours, we could be looking at food shortages.”
He stressed that many everyday items depend on imports through ports like Rosslare and Dublin.
“Go into your kitchen and check your shelves. Pasta, cereals, tins — most of it comes from outside Ireland,” he said.
Fresh food at immediate risk
The fuel protest supply chain disruption could hit fresh produce first, with deliveries already delayed.
Smith pointed out that fruit and vegetables imported from southern Europe are particularly vulnerable.
“You’re going to see fruit and veg disappear off the shelves very fast now because we can’t get it delivered,” he said.
He added that trucks arriving on ferries the previous evening remain stuck, preventing onward distribution across the country.
Hauliers say they are not responsible
Smith emphasised that transport companies are not behind the disruption and continue to try to operate.
“This is not the hauliers on strike. We want to be working,” he said.
“It’s farmers blockading the roads with tractors, not trucks.”
He said drivers have been left stranded on roads approaching ports, with some requiring assistance.
“We have drivers ringing us saying they have no food, so we’re sending vehicles to collect them,” he said.
Call for urgent government action
Smith urged the Government to intervene quickly to resolve the fuel protest supply chain disruption, warning that delays could worsen the crisis.
He called for action on fuel-related costs, including carbon tax, to ease tensions and restore movement.
“Do something to get the wheels turning again, because if you don’t, supply chains will fail,” he said.
He warned that while fuel shortages remain a concern, food supply could soon become the more immediate issue.“Fuel is one problem, but food is the next problem,” he said.
“That’s a big problem for us all.”
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