DUBLIN, Ireland: Households and businesses in Ireland face soaring fuel bills due to the war in Iran, as the nation's economy stares at an energy affordability crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war in the Middle East could end soon. However, hardline supporters in Iran showed strong loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting that Iran may not be ready to back down anytime soon.

Meanwhile, the conflict pushed oil prices initially above US$100 (85 euros) a barrel and then settled at $90. Heating oil prices in Ireland have already increased sharply.

Drivers are now paying about 2 euros for a litre of diesel at many petrol stations, compared with an average of 1.72 euros just a few weeks ago.

There are concerns that fuel prices could rise to levels similar to those after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when diesel reached 2.09 euros per litre, and petrol rose to 2.15 euros.

Irish truck drivers had threatened to hold rolling protests and block major roads and airports in the coming days, warning that their industry could collapse. However, they later cancelled a protest planned for March 10 in Dublin.

The Irish Road Haulage Association said the Middle East conflict has highlighted problems in Ireland's fuel market. It said the government takes more than 65 percent of the price of a litre of petrol and over 60 percent of the price of diesel through taxes.

Hauliers are asking for a temporary suspension of the carbon tax and for the removal of the M50 toll for all drivers. Association president Ger Hyland said truck drivers feel as disappointed as farmers, builders, and ordinary people.

The business group Ibec warned the government that it must take urgent steps to deal with what it called a growing energy affordability crisis.

Ibec executive director Fergal O'Brien said the sudden rise in global oil prices has once again shown how vulnerable the Irish economy is.