A Fianna Fáil Senator has called for a fuel prices to be frozen for a three-month period in order to alleviate the pressure on consumers.

Senator Eugene Murphy said: "I have raised the matter of fuel prices in both the Seanad and at the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party.

"People are already struggling with the cost of living and this is putting enormous pressure on drivers," the senator added.

Murphy said that the sharp rise in fuels costs is particularly hitting rural communities, where there are often no public transport options available.

"Given the terrible situation in Ukraine, the government cannot resolve the supply issues, but by temporarily changing taxation rates, the prices for the consumer can be stabilised, at least in the short-term,” senator Murphy said.

Recently another Oireachtas member said that there will be an “explosion” in Ireland in the next fortnight if the government does not take action to address the rising cost of fuel, including ‘green’ diesel.

Roscommon Galway independent TD, Michael Fitzmaurice told the Dáil that “in Ireland, green diesel that you put into a tractor is €1.40 quoted today. Kerosene is €1.35. White diesel in some places around Dublin is €2.00, between €1.85 and €2.00.

“Petrol is gone €2.05. We have reserves I understand, in Cork. Are we going to do something?”