The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has raised serious concerns with Government regarding the pricing structure of green diesel in comparison to white diesel.

The FCI has now called on Government to establish an independent fuel price regulator to provide transparency on wholesale fuel costs, taxation, distribution costs and pump prices.

The association said it has identified trends which show an imbalance in the market between green and white diesel.

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Prices

Road diesel prices compared with agri-diesel prices in 2026. August is an average calculated from the first three weeks of the month. All data is VAT inclusive. \ Association of Farm and Foresty Contractors in Ireland

Green diesel prices show a trend characterised by three factors:

  • Accelerated volatility: since the beginning of the fuel crisis, green diesel prices have consistently risen faster than white diesel prices. Between February and March 2026, green diesel rose 48%, whereas white diesel rose by just 10%.
  • Persistent peak pricing: green diesel prices have shown to remain above their peak levels significantly longer than white diesel, failing to react to market correction in a timely manner.
  • Never returned to pre-war norms: white diesel prices have successfully dropped below their pre-war levels, while green diesel prices have failed to do so.

    • Contractors

    FCI national chair Norman Egar has said the price of green diesel is having a significant financial effect on Irish farm and forestry contractors.

    “Green diesel rose twice as much as white diesel and in half the amount of time, which put an disproportional financial burden on Irish farm and forestry contractors.

    “As the backbone of Ireland’s agriculture and forestry infrastructure, contractors are operating on razor-thin margins.

    “While the wider market has seen some relief in road diesel costs, the essential fuel used to plant, maintain and harvest our nation’s crops remains disproportionately expensive. Our members are essentially paying a premium for green dye,” Egar said.

    FCI managing director Ann Gleeson Hanrahan has said these costs are putting pressure on essential services for farmers across the country.

    FCI managing director Ann Gleeson Hanrahan.

    “When our input costs are artificially kept high, it inevitably puts upward pressure on the rates we must charge for our services.

    “We are calling for greater transparency in the fuel supply chain and an investigation into why green diesel continues to diverge so significantly from the pricing trajectory of white disesel,” Hanrahan said.

    The FCI is seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister to present the evidence from its members and to agree on practical measures that will protect the viability of farm and forestry contracting businesses.