IRELAND — Protests over high fuel prices in Ireland entered their fourth day on Friday, with demonstrators clogging roads and blocking access to refining and distribution sites around the country. The Irish government was set to meet with farmers, truckers and agricultural contractors on Friday to discuss the crisis.

The protests began on Tuesday with separate demonstrations in Ireland's major cities over demands for further cuts to fuel costs. Slow-moving convoys restricted access to some of the busiest streets in Dublin while also blocking fuel depots that supply half the country. Some protesters slept in their vehicles overnight to demand that the government speak with them.

More than 100 service stations ran out of fuel, and that number could reach five times as many by Friday evening if supplies remained disrupted.

On Thursday, the government asked the army to remove vehicles from blocked roads due to concerns that the protests could impede police, firefighters and ambulances responding to emergencies.

Higher fuel prices have placed particular strain on industries dependent on road transport, including farming, trucking and agricultural contracting — the three sectors whose representatives were invited to Friday's meeting with government officials. Gasoline and diesel costs rose as the conflict in the Middle East restricts oil exports from the region.

The government had previously approved a series of measures aimed at reducing fuel costs. Those steps included a temporary reduction in excise taxes on motor fuels, an expansion of a diesel rebate for truckers and bus operators, and an extension of a heating assistance program for low-income people. Demonstrators have demanded that the government go further in cutting fuel prices.