Government leaders have sharply criticised the blockading of the Whitegate Oil refinery in Co Cork, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin describing it as an "act of national sabotage" that will directly impact the people of Ireland.
"It makes absolutely no sense in the fuel crisis we are currently facing. It is beyond belief that people would seek to deny people around the country access to vital fuels," Mr Martin said.
"Businesses and people's livelihoods depend on this fuel. It is an outrage," he added.
No oil tankers have been able to access the site since half past court this afternoon.
His comments came as it emerged that eight trucks, eight tractors, and more than 40 people were blocking two entrances to the Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery in east Cork.
This evening, those gathered were briefed by organisers telling them to rest up and prepare for a long night ahead.
RTÉ understands the Taoiseach has spoken to the Minister for Justice about the blockade.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said any attempt to block the distribution of fuel by protesters in the current crisis is "a sinister and despicable attack on our economy and our society".
In a statement, he said while the Government acknowledges the concerns of many people Ireland is "not a lawless country" and that "the laws of the land must be applied without fear".
He added that "at a time of a major global energy crisis" such a situation "cannot be tolerated".
Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien also "strongly" condemned the blockade in east Cork and other locations.
In a statement, Mr O Brien said the situation is impacting ordinary people and must end.
Mr O Brien said: "I strongly condemn the blockades at the Whitegate refinery in Cork, and at locations around the country.
"Access to fuel is essential for our citizens and businesses, and there is no underlying fuel shortage - this disruption is being caused by a small group of protestors.
"The Government is listening and understands the real challenges people are facing.
"Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on households and businesses alike. And I will continue to engage with representative groups from affected sectors, such as the IRHA.
"However, in a democracy, decision-making cannot be dictated by an unelected group, particularly when their actions disrupt supply chains, threaten livelihoods, and interfere with essential services such as medical appointments."
Around half of fuel supplies blocked - Fuels for Ireland
Around half of the country's fuel supplies are now locked in terminals and at the Whitegate refinery due to protests, Fuels For Ireland has said.
The front and back entrances to Irving Oil Whitegate Oil Refinery in east Cork are currently blocked by a small convoy of six tractors and two trucks.
As a result, Fuels For Ireland CEO Kevin McPartlan said a significant proportion of the country’s emergency strategic fuel supply cannot be accessed.
He called on the Government to act immediately to ensure fuel can safely leave terminals.
"If this continues, it will have real and immediate consequences for households, businesses and essential services.
"Quite simply, if fuel cannot be delivered, it will not be available, and that includes for emergency vehicles," he said.
"We understand and share the frustration around high fuel prices, and we respect the right to protest. But preventing fuel from reaching communities is not a proportionate or responsible way to do that.
"It risks causing serious harm to the very people these protests are seeking to represent," he added.
"There is no shortage of fuel in the country, the issue is that it cannot move," Mr McPartlan said.
Whitegate is the third depot to be affected, after Foynes in Co Limerick and Galway were blocked earlier today.
Earlier, Gardaí reported that a small number of fuel depots were being blocked.
Protesters said that they want to meet with the Government regarding their demands on fuel prices, and that in the meantime, the nationwide action will continue.
