Widespread protests over soaring fuel costs have thrown Ireland into crisis, with around 100 fuel stations running dry and the National Emergency Coordination Group warning that figure could climb to 500. Hauliers, farmers, and other groups blocked motorways and brought parts of Dublin to a standstill for a fourth consecutive day, prompting the Irish government to place the army on standby and police to threaten arrests. Diesel prices have surged from roughly €1.70 to €2.17 per litre in recent weeks, a spike tied to the broader disruption of global oil markets following military action against Iran. Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that blockades of Ireland's sole oil refinery and key fuel depots had pushed the country to the brink of losing its oil supply entirely, calling the situation "unconscionable." Talks between government ministers and industry representatives ended Friday without resolution, though Deputy Premier Simon Harris promised a "substantial" support package and said negotiations were continuing into the weekend. Meanwhile, the unrest crossed borders, with Norwegian lorry drivers converging on Oslo's parliament in a "diesel roar" convoy. Statistics Norway reported a 23.6% jump in diesel prices between February and March — the sharpest single-month increase ever recorded — despite Norway being an oil-producing nation. Based on: The Guardian