Fuel allowance could increase in next week's budget

The weekly fuel allowance may increase by €2 a week in the Budget.

The money will be available for pensioners, widows and people who are long-term unemployed. It is part of plans to offset the cost of increased carbon taxes on heating bills, according to the Irish Independent.

The price of fuels such as petrol, diesel, coal and gas are all set to rise in next week's Budget.