Fuel Crisis Driving Unsustainable Cost Increases for Independent Butchers – Statement from ACBI President Jack Molloy

The President of the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland, Jack Molloy, has today warned that escalating fuel costs are having a devastating impact on small, independent butcher businesses across Ireland.

“Fuel is a fundamental cost in our industry, and the sharp increases we are seeing are affecting every aspect of how our members operate,” said Mr Molloy. “From the transport of livestock and deliveries from suppliers to the distribution of products to customers, fuel costs are driving up expenses at every stage of the supply chain.”

Mr Molloy emphasised that suppliers and logistics providers are passing on higher fuel charges, leaving small businesses to absorb rising costs that are largely beyond their control.

“Our members are being hit repeatedly,” he said. “Every delivery costs more, every collection costs more, and every product we source is becoming more expensive because of fuel. These are not costs we can avoid.”

He also highlighted that independent butchers are in a particularly vulnerable position, with limited ability to offset or absorb such increases.

“Unlike large retailers, small family-run butcher shops don’t have the scale to cushion these rising costs,” Mr Molloy explained. “At the same time, we are very conscious of our customers, who are also struggling with the rising cost of living. Passing on the full extent of these increases simply isn’t realistic.”

Mr Molloy warned that the ongoing fuel crisis is placing the long-term viability of many independent butcher businesses at serious risk.

“If fuel prices remain at current levels, we will see more and more small businesses coming under unsustainable pressure. The reality is that some will not survive, and that would be a huge loss to local communities across the country.”

The Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland is calling on the Government to take immediate action to address the impact of fuel costs on small businesses, including targeted supports to reduce the burden across supply chains.

“Fuel costs are no longer just another business expense—they have become a critical issue that threatens the survival of independent retailers,” Mr Molloy concluded. “We need urgent and meaningful intervention to ensure that small businesses can continue to serve their communities.”