DUBLIN, Ireland: Excise duty on petrol and diesel is likely to be cut to help people cope with volatile fuel prices.

The decision was taken at a meeting of leaders on March 23, and the proposals were brought to Cabinet for approval the next day.

The Government will cut excise duty on diesel by 20 cents and petrol by 15 cents from midnight on March 25 until the end of May.

The government is expected to introduce a diesel rebate for truck and bus operators, and it will also apply to past costs.

The Fuel Allowance — a weekly payment of 38 euros to help with heating from late September to April — will also be extended as part of new support measures to be announced on Tuesday.

The government has been under pressure to act because fuel prices have risen sharply due to tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Many households say the cost of home heating oil has doubled to 800 euros for 500 litres, and petrol and diesel prices are also very high.

Earlier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed an announcement by Donald Trump that planned attacks on Iran's energy facilities had been delayed after talks with Tehran.

Martin was in Walkinstown, Dublin, with Housing Minister James Browne to announce plans by the Land Development Agency and the O'Flynn Group to build 542 new homes.

Trump had warned that he would destroy Iran's power plants if the country did not reopen the important Strait of Hormuz.

However, in a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would delay the strikes by five days after what he called productive talks with Iran.

Martin said he welcomed the delay in attacks and stressed the importance of reducing tensions and ending the conflict.

After Trump's announcement, oil prices dropped. Brent crude fell by up to 10 percent and later settled about eight percent lower at just under US$104 per barrel.

When asked if this would change the government's plans, Martin said fuel price changes have already affected people, but he would not say if the drop in oil prices would change the support measures. He noted that prices are unstable and keep fluctuating.

He also said there needs to be more long-term discussion with the transport industry, after reports that truck operators believe short-term help is not enough.

Martin said the transport sector is crucial to trade and that the new measures must be carefully planned. He added that long-term solutions are needed to keep the industry strong and sustainable.