Legislation to deal with a potential oil emergency is set to be fast-tracked through the Oireachtas. 

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan is seeking priority for the drafting of the Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2022.

The main purpose of this bill is to strengthen the Government’s ability to manage stocks in the unlikely event of a curtailment of oil supplies.

There is no such concern or risk at present, and the legislation is merely about contingency planning. 

BP fuel storage tanks in refinery. Image: Alamy

Currently, Ireland has about 85 days of strategic stocks and the supply and price of  oil on the international market have been steady over recent months.

The bill aims to provide clarity around the powers of the Minister and how quickly they can be deployed to control the supply and distribution of fuel in an emergency. 

It will also put all aspects of oil emergency planning on a statutory footing and establish a register of oil suppliers to ensure fast communication to retailers.

Main image: A petrol pump.