The Road Haulage Association has said there could be more fuel protests if the Government withdraws fuel supports.
The cost of petrol and diesel has crept up again, following the resumption of hostility between the United States and Iran.
The price of crude oil is now hovering around $90 (€79) a barrel, which experts believe will soon see prices rise at the pump once again.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Road Haulage Association President Ger Hyland described it as “one of the toughest years hauliers have ever had”.
“When the ceasefire started in the Middle East, we again called for the fuel supports to be extended because it was a very volatile peace process and this has come to pass,” he said.
“Fuel prices are rising on a daily basis; our members are volume users and it's having a huge effect on our industry.”
Fuel protest in Dublin. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.Following sustained protests and road blockages, the Government announced a cut in excise duty on petrol and fuel.
There was also a targeted package of measures for people working in the road haulage industry.
However, the measures are due to come to an end on 1st September and Mr Hyland wants them extended.
“Look, for the wider economy, fuel supports didn't just support the hauliers, they supported the wider economy,” he said.
“They actually fed into keeping inflation down in this country; if we don't have a viable transport industry, we won't have an economy.
“We're an island nation; everything is moved on this island by our members.
“So, we don't have a viable transport industry, we won't have a viable economy.”
The Road Haulage Association did not organise this spring’s protests, although a number of its members took part.
When asked if the protests could return, Mr Hyland said “hopes not”.
“I'll just remind you that desperate times makes desperate people,” he said.
“These members of our association and these transport people that were on these protests, they were there out of desperation.
“They could see that their businesses were crumbling before them; they didn't want to be on the side of the road protesting.”
Main image: Tractors and trucks during a blockade of O'Connell Street. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
