Protesters at an oil refinery in the Republic of Ireland have been pushed back by gardaí (police) using pepper spray, in an operation supported by the Irish Defence Forces.
The protesters have been blockading Whitegate Refinery in County Cork as part of demonstrations across the country against high fuel prices.
Gardaí moved in to gain entry to the oil refinery and said an operation was ongoing to ensure critical supplies of fuel to maintain critical emergency public services, including ambulance and fire services.
Hundreds of petrol stations in the country have run out of fuel as the protests, which involve slow-moving convoys made up of tractors, continue for a fifth day.
Blockades at fuel depots in counties Limerick and Galway are ongoing, worsening the fuel crisis.
Fuels for Ireland, representing fuel importers and distributors, warned that two-thirds of petrol stations might be out of stock by the end of Saturday if blockades continue.
The Irish government confirmed it is finalizing a fuel support package after what it described as constructive engagement with representatives of the haulage and farming sectors.
The proposed package will include temporary support targeted at the haulage, agri-business, and contractor sectors.
Meetings between government ministers and stakeholders continue, with Gardaí escorting oil tankers leaving Whitegate after they managed to restore access to the refinery.
The blockade of parts of Dublin city centre persists, affecting traffic in O'Connell Street and South Quay.
Protests have disrupted public transport, with some Bus Éireann services suspended and significant delays to journeys, particularly to airports.
As fuel protests escalate amid rising oil prices caused by Middle Eastern conflict, the government is under pressure to act swiftly to alleviate the situation and restore order.
