An investigation is underway into the theft of 1,000 liters of green diesel fuel from a farmer’s yard.
The theft was reported by a farmer in Roscommon last week.
Gardaí confirmed to Agriland They are “investigating an incident of theft from a building in Co. Roscommon which was reported on Tuesday 14 April 2026.”
A police spokesman added, “Investigations are continuing.”
Agriland It is understood that the farmer first noticed the loss of diesel when he went to fill the tractor.
This incident comes after increasing warnings from security forces across the country to farmers and homeowners to secure oil tanks, amid the sharp rise in fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
It is estimated that the price of green diesel has nearly doubled since February due to the Iranian conflict.
Prices have risen from €0.97/litre to around €1.80/litre since late February.
Police encourage people to install fuel tank alarms and use anti-siphon devices, especially if the oil tank is in an isolated area, in an effort to deter fuel theft.
Gardaí also said farmers, businesses and homeowners should consider installing CCTV, using lockable entry gates, and erecting lockable fencing around the oil tank, including the top.
Green diesel
Last week, the government announced a €100 million fuel subsidy plan to help farmers, agricultural contractors and fishermen “face unprecedented increases in fuel costs.”
The payments will cover the months from March until the end of July which also coincides with the peak fuel season for field work on farms.
According to the government, the scheme will provide €20 million per month in support, “with funding directly linked to last year’s fuel use to ensure that those most affected by fuel price increases receive the most help.”
The Farm and Forestry Contractors Association of Ireland (FCI) said it expected the scheme would involve paying up to 20 cents per liter to farming and forestry contractors as a lump sum based on fuel use levels between 1 March 2025 and 31 July 2025.
The government also reduced duties on green diesel by an additional 2.4 cents (including VAT), bringing the total reduction on green diesel to 7.4 cents (including VAT).
However, Sinn Fein’s agriculture and food spokesman, Martin Kenny, said the government’s fuel subsidy package was not enough to support Irish farming families and agricultural contractors.
