Kelly told reporters the blockading of "critical national infrastructure such as fuel depots and refineries" had "resulted in fuel shortages that are directly impacting on emergency services such as hospitals, the ambulance service, and the fire service".

The Garda Commissioner condemned the blockades as an "illegal activity" by some determined "hold the country to ransom".

The protests began on Tuesday over spiralling petrol and diesel prices amid the Middle East war.

Protesters partly blockaded Ireland's only oil refinery and restricted access to at least two other fuel depots.

Demonstrators, many organising online outside of formal representative bodies, also used convoys on motorways to snarl traffic and tractors to gridlock central Dublin on occasions.

Industry group Fuels for Ireland said that 100 petrol retailers have run dry, mainly in the west of Ireland, after customers started panic buying.

Kelly said law enforcers earlier Saturday moved to "restore fuel supplies from Whitegate Refinery", making a number of arrests.

"In the coming hours and days we will have further such operations," he added.

In March, Dublin announced a EUR250 million package to reduce fuel costs, notably including a diesel rebate for road hauliers.