Government ministers have reportedly received some very serious warnings.
A secret Government memo has warned that Ireland could be faced with food shortages, as well as gas and electricity rationing as a result of the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
According to the Irish Independent, Irish government ministers were presented with a worst-case scenario on how recent events, and subsequent economic sanctions placed against Russia, could impact Ireland.
A report in the paper suggests that Cabinet was told that the fallout of the invasion had significantly risen the wholesale prices of oil and gas on world markets, making it harder for Ireland to receive supplies.
It was warned that shortages of natural gas and C02 could lead to a reduction in food processing, which would have immediate and serious implications for the domestic food supply.
Government ministers were also reportedly told about “graduated demand-management measures” that may be imposed on electricity and gas consumers if supplies become limited, with one Cabinet source describing the measures as being akin to “rationing”.
However, the source is said to have stressed that issues with supply are not currently being forecasted by Government.
The report also suggests that ministers were informed that a partial release from the State’s 90-day reserve of crude and refined oil products had already occurred due to demand for fuel.
On top of this, the confidential memo is said to have warned about a possible cut to transport services due to the energy crisis, along with the potential for a cyberattack on RTÉ in retaliation for the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Meanwhile, in response to the already rising costs of fuel, plans to make cuts to the price of diesel and petrol through reductions in excise duty are expected to take effect from midnight.
They are said to involve diesel prices dropping by 15c a litre and petrol prices falling by 20c and will be voted on in the Dáil before coming into effect.
Main image via Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
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