Protesters at an oil refinery in the Republic of Ireland have been pushed back by gardaí (police) using pepper spray, in an operation supported by the Irish Defence Forces. The protesters have been blockading Whitegate Refinery in County Cork as part of demonstrations across the country against high fuel prices. Gardaí moved in to gain entry to the oil refinery and said an operation was ongoing to ensure critical supplies of fuel to maintain critical emergency public services, including ambulance and fire services. Hundreds of petrol stations in the country have run out of fuel as the protests - involving slow-moving convoys made up of vehicles including tractors - continue for a fifth day. Blockades at fuel depots in counties Limerick and Galway are continuing. Footage posted by gardaí on Saturday afternoon showed them escorting oil tankers leaving Whitegate after they restored access to the refinery. Fuels for Ireland warned two-thirds of petrol stations in Ireland would be out of stock if the blockades at the fuel-storage facilities continued. The Irish government is finalizing a fuel support package aimed to help the haulage, agri-business, and contractor sectors after constructive engagement with industry representatives. The blockade of parts of Dublin city centre is continuing, affecting major transport routes and public services. With public transport affected and emergency services at risk, the situation remains critical as authorities scramble to restore order.