Overview
- Protests that grew into depot and refinery blockades by Friday, the fourth straight day, prompted Gardaí to move into an enforcement phase with Defence Forces recovery trucks on standby.
- Fuels for Ireland said more than 100 filling stations had run out and warned the number could rise to hundreds as panic buying emptied forecourts faster than deliveries could be made.
- The Health Service Executive reported missed appointments and pressure on fuel for ambulances and fire services, while emergency planners cautioned about delays to medicines, animal feed, fertiliser and water‑treatment supplies.
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned Ireland was close to having to turn oil tankers away, citing a ship unable to unload at Galway Port and a halt in refining at Whitegate, and delivery firm DPD said it would suspend services on Saturday.
- Ministers met recognized industry groups on Friday rather than protest spokespeople from the largely social‑media‑organized movement, whose demands range from tax cuts or a temporary price cap on fuel to restarting offshore oil exploration.