Irish police removed and arrested protesters on Saturday to reopen Ireland’s only oil refinery after days of fuel-related demonstrations disrupted supply.

The protests, involving truckers, farmers, and transport workers, began over rising fuel prices linked to global shortages caused by conflict in the Middle East.

Authorities warned the blockades were severely affecting fuel distribution, with over a third of service stations running dry.

Government officials had already introduced fuel tax relief measures, but prices continued to rise and tensions remained high, NBC News has reported.

Although the refinery was reopened and some deliveries resumed, negotiations are ongoing and supply disruptions may continue.