The Irish haulage industry was hit with what could turn out to be a hammer blow on Monday, when the government appointed Commission on Taxation proposed that excise duty on road diesel should be increased by five cent per litre.
Already struggling under the weight spiralling diesel costs, Irish hauliers could now have to stump up another five centre a litre in excise, if the Commission’s Carbon Tax proposal is adopted in December’s Budget.
The Commission is also proposing that the Carbon Tax should be introduced to replace Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on new cars.
The report suggests a number of options for replacing the current VRT system, such as a sizeable increase in fuel taxes – up to 30 cent per litre – along with road pricing.
It suggests a 10-year timeframe for the changeover.
