CIF Response to Fuel Crisis
Global oil price shocks
The construction industry continues to feel the effects of global oil price shocks arising from the conflict involving Iran and its wider repercussions. These pressures are having a direct and significant impact on construction costs across the sector.
In response, CIF has been actively assessing the scale of these impacts and engaging with Government to ensure the cost pressures facing the industry are clearly understood and addressed during this highly unstable period.
CIF has consistently called for urgent Government intervention to mitigate the cost burden of the fuel crisis on our members. We also urged the immediate lifting of the fuel blockade, which posed a serious risk to the continuity of construction sites and projects nationwide.
The Government has now confirmed that the construction sector will be included in the Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme (28 April 2026), which is currently being finalised. We welcome this important response to the significant cost pressures being experienced by companies across the sector.
Our latest responses and press statements are set out below. CIF remains fully committed to representing members’ interests and to closely monitoring the ongoing impact of the global fuel crisis.
CIF responses
Tuesday 28th April
Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme for construction confirmed
The Government has confirmed that the construction sector will be included in the Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme, which is currently being finalised and is going before Cabinet today.
CIF has been actively advocating on behalf of our members to ensure that the significant impact of rising fuel costs on the construction industry is fully understood and prioritised by Government. We therefore welcome the confirmation that construction will be included in the scheme.
Further details on the scheme will be shared with members as soon as they become available.
Thursday 23rd April
The CIF actively advocated on behalf of the construction sector and kept members informed as the fuel crisis evolved. The CIF engaged with Government and stakeholders to highlight the ongoing risks posed by fuel supply disruption and escalating costs, particularly the impact on site operations, supply chains and the delivery of housing and critical infrastructure.
Watch Andrew Brownlee, CIF CEO, give a message to members on the fuel crisis.
Friday 17th April
CIF attended the Labour Employment Economic Forum (LEEF) meeting where we again highlighted the need for similar supports for the construction sector.
Thursday 16th April
The CIF met with the Irish Concrete Federation and Building Materials Federation to discuss potential actions to address the escalating material price increases.
We are seeking an urgent meeting with government to ensure the construction sector is not excluded from the recently announced support measures for the haulage, agriculture, and fishing sectors.
Tuesday 14th April
Update on Government Fuel Measures and Impact on Construction Costs
Friday 10th April
The CIF called for an immediate end to the ongoing fuel blockade and for Government action to alleviate the pressures the fuel crisis is placing on the construction sector.
As a result, the CIF issued a special circular to all members “CIF Response to Continuing Impact of Oil Price Shocks on the Construction Industry”, and press release to the media.
CIF Response to Continuing Impact of Oil Price Shocks on the Construction Industry 10th April 2026
CIF calls for end to fuel blockade and urgent Government action to reduce the cost impact of the fuel crisis
Media coverage
Media coverage of the fuel crisis in regional and national media
Fuel prices could cause building progress to ‘stutter and stagnate’
Confidence levels in Irish construction sector at ‘lowest point’ so far this year
Radio interviews
Andrew Brownlee, Newstalk – 30.04
CIF CEO Andrew Brownlee was on Newstalk discussing the Government’s Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme and the construction sector.
Midlands 103, Justin Molloy – 21.04
Justin Molloy, CIF Director of the Western and Midland Region, warns that rising fuel and material costs are increasing construction expenses, while calling for rebates and Government support to maintain supply and infrastructure development.
WLRFM – Deise Today, Joanne Treacy – 20.04
Joanne Treacy, CIF Director of the Southern Region, highlights the need for clarity around the fuel support package, for the construction sector – on WLR FM.
Limerick’s Live 95FM, Joanne Treacy – 17.04
Joanne Treacy, CIF Director of the Southern Region, discusses the fuel crisis and the impacts, on Limerick’s Live 95FM.
Kerry Radio – Kerry Today, Joanne Treacy – 17.04
Joanne Treacy, CIF Director of the Southern Region, talks about the construction
sector is warning its under severe pressure as the ongoing fuel crisis continues to drive up costs.
Clare FM – Morning Focus, Joanne Treacy – 17.04
Joanne Treacy, CIF Director of the Southern Region, discusses how construction firms in Co. Clare are being affected by rises in construction costs on Clare FM.
Kfm Radio, Meabh Smith – 16.04
Meabh Smith, CIF Communications Director, was on Kfm Radio discussing the rising fuel prices which are having a significant impact on the cost of doing business across the construction sector.
Cork’s 96fm – Opinion Line, Joanne Treacy – 16.04
Listen back to Joanne Treacy, CIF Director of the Southern Region, talk on Cork’s 96fm with PJ Coogan about the fuel crisis and the need for clarity around the fuel support package for construction.
RTE Radio 1 – Drivetime, Andrew Brownlee – 15.04
Discussion with Andrew Brownlee, CEO of Construction Industry Federation, about the fuel crisis.
RTE Morning Ireland, Andrew Brownlee – 14.04
Andrew Brownlee, CIF Chief Executive Officer, on RTÉ Morning Ireland discussing rising fuel prices causing increases in construction costs across Ireland.
LMFM, Meabh Smith – 14.04
Listen back to LMFM Radio’s discussion with Meabh Smith, CIF Communications Director, talk about the pressure the construction sector is under from the fuel crisis.
Galway Bay FM – Galway Talks, Justin Molloy – 13.04
Justin Molloy, Regional Director, talks on Galway Bay FM – Galway Talks about the construction sector, saying that the fuel cuts do not go far enough.
Highland Radio – Business Matters, Justin Molloy – 05.04
Discussion with Justin Molloy, Regional Director, about the impact of increasing fuel prices on the construction industry.
CIF resources
Ongoing analysis of price increases
The CIF has been collecting information and examples on material, energy and fuel price increases affecting construction projects. Members have been providing data on these increases as well as price increase letters from suppliers. A member information note is currently being prepared, which will contain evidence of these price increases and a call for clients to work with their contractors. The information note will be made available on this page once it is published.
Review of the CSO Detailed Wholesale Price Indices for Building and Construction Materials
The CIF is currently engaging with the CSO on the Wholesale Price Indices (WPI) for Building and Construction Materials.
To support this engagement, the CIF has launched a short survey seeking member feedback on the material categories currently listed in the WPI.
We encourage all members to participate, as your input is critical in ensuring that the composition of the indices currently reflects the materials used across construction projects and the realities of current supply chains.
The link to this survey has been circulated to all members via the All Member Circular and is open to members until close of business, Friday May 8th.
Resources for the Price Variation Mechanism
The CIF would like to remind members who are currently engaged in Public Works Contracts of the resources available to support the appropriate application of the Price Variation mechanism.
Following the introduction of the new clauses and mechanisms for the Price Variation with the Public Works Contracts, the CIF developed a suite of guidance materials to assist members in understanding and implementing these provisions.
The SCSI CIF Information Paper provides an overview of the Public Works Contract Price Variation Mechanism, outlining key requirements, resources, and specific examples of completed appendices and workbooks. This available for members to download below.
In addition, the CIF, in collaboration with the SCSI and the OGP, hosted a webinar titled “Price Variation Mechanisms Reform in the Public Works Contracts”. This webinar offers a detailed overview of the mechanism, including how it operates and how material cost inflation is calculated. A recording of this webinar is available for members below.
SCSI Public Works Contract Information Paper Update Dec 25
20th April 2026 pdf (1.93 MB)
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