The closing date for the Fuel Support Scheme is approaching fast, with an application submission deadline of Wednesday 27 May. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon issued a reminder message urging farmers and contractors who have not applied to do so.
He said: “The application process is very straightforward so I would urge farmers and contractors who have not yet applied to do so in the coming days. The average contractor is using around 70,000 litres of diesel a year and this payment will assist their businesses at a time of high fuel usage and associated cost.”
He said that he is delighted with the interest shown to date and added that based on applications received so far the average contractor will likely see a payment of €6,000 with larger contractors “receiving multiples of that”. The average payment for farmers is in the region of €650 going on applications submitted to date.
The Fuel Support Scheme was introduced as a result of “the exceptional pressure that exists on farmers and contractors due to the dramatic increase in the price of marked gas oil (MGO) in recent months”.
Payment rate
There is €6m allocated to the scheme and the Department has explained that the exact payment each applicant will receive will be calculated once all claims have been submitted. It is anticipated, however, that the payment will be approximately 20c per litre based on the estimated usage over a five-month period (March to July).
The manner in which the estimated usage is derived is based on the volume of GMO purchased in 2025. The Department has said that “in the case of applicants who only purchase MGO from a supply once or twice a year, receipts dating back to October 2024 will be accepted”.
For example 1,200l is 100l usage per month or an estimated usage figure of 500l – and at 20c per litre, this equates to the minimum €100 payment
The total usage figure is divided by 12 and multiplied by five to get the estimated five-month usage and this figure is multiplied by 20c to get the predicted payment. The minimum payment under the scheme is €100, meaning that the minimum total usage figure is 1,200l. For example 1,200l is 100l usage per month or an estimated usage figure of 500l – and at 20c per litre, this equates to the minimum €100 payment.
Self-declaration
Farmer applicants will make a self-declaration of usage based on statements or receipts which they hold and which may be subject to risk-based checks, while contractors will have to supply receipts or statements with the application form.
For farm and forestry contractors, the scheme will require that they must be registered for VAT, tax compliant and must supply services for primary production of agricultural products (including forestry) on farm.
Concluding, Minister Heydon said: “It is a critically important time of the year for farmers and contractors, and I want to ensure that support is directed to those impacted by the price increase and who are actively engaged in producing our food and managing our forests.”
Applicants wishing to contact the Department regarding the Fuel Income Support Scheme can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or email fuelsub@agriculture.gov.ie.
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