The Irish government is set to vote against a Sinn Féin motion that would remove carbon tax from home heating oil. The move comes as average prices for heating oil have jumped nearly 80% in a year, leaving one in seven households in arrears. Sinn Féin argues the tax adds €183 per 1,000 litres, but the government says it needs to review all options ahead of the October budget. Revenue from the carbon tax is ring-fenced for energy upgrades, retrofitting, and targeted social welfare. The government is considering other relief measures, such as cutting VAT on heating oil from 13.5% to match the 9% rate on gas. The budget announcement on October 6 will clarify the approach.
