Return to ‘normal’ – will the ‘Celtic tiger’ roar once more? Fuel sales are increasing as lock down lifts

With the dates announced for phrased re-opening across the state, some business analysts are predicting that the so-called Celtic tiger could roar again – with a fresh surge in economic activity. Could this fresh impetus put a ‘tiger it the tank’ of the forecourt industry?

While convenience stores benefited throughout lock down, fuel sales ‘went off a cliff’ as one fuel retailer told IFCR. With the daily commute to work and social, domestic and leisure travel scourged back during lock down – forecourt owners and dealers are starting to see fuel sales rise again.

The welcome announcements of the phased end of lockdown, and with the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar predicting a ‘return to normal’ by late summer, the bit-by-bit revival will see an increase demand for fuel – and all the other services provided by the forecourt.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that Covid-19 restrictions will ease from May 10th. Following advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), the Cabinet has signed off on a raft of loosened Covid-19 restrictions, which will remain dependent on infection numbers and the vaccine rollout.

Mr Martin said the easing of restrictions would proceed in two main phases over the course of May and June, with higher-risk activities such as indoor hospitality to be considered at the end of June.

From May 10th inter-county travel can resume.From May 17th all remaining retail can re-open. From June 2nd hospitality such as guest houses and hotel can open again – with higher risk environments to be considered late July or August.