Hundreds of Irish petrol stations run out of fuel as protests continue

BBC:

Hundreds of petrol stations in the Republic of Ireland have run out of fuel as protests over high prices continue for a fifth day.

RTÉ said about 500 forecourts had run out of petrol and diesel due to the protests, involving slow-moving convoys made up of vehicles including tractors.

The protests have been organised over the issue of high fuel prices caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran.

The Irish government confirmed a fuel support package was being finalised after what it described as “constructive engagement” with representatives of the haulage and farming sectors.

The blockade of parts of Dublin city centre is continuing, with O’Connell Street and South Quay closed to traffic.

Other disruption includes:

• A blockade on the M50, with parts of the road closed
• The M7 at Portlaoise is blocked in both directions
• On the M8, at Cashel south, there is a blockage northbound
• Road blocks are reported in Monaghan town and on the N2 bypass, on the M18/N18 in County Clare, and the M20/N20, between Patrickswell and Raheen in County Limerick

There are also blockades at three fuel-storage facilities.