Irish people pay 60% of every €1 spent on petrol to the Government, far above the worldwide average of 36%.

The disparity is one of a number of findings of an international survey on sales tax on routine purchases carried out by Irish accountancy firm Farrelly Dawe White in 22 countries including Ireland, the US, Britain, Canada, and China.

More than one third of the price of a bottle of wine goes to the Government, compared to 23% internationally.

David Fitzsimons of Retail Excellence Ireland said high cigarette and alcohol prices were still boosting cross-border trade.

He called for a regular review - potentially, an annual one - to look att he situation.