Fuel cost crisis | NI leaders urge PM to cut fuel duty amid growing frustration and local protest plans

Mounting anger over soaring fuel and fertiliser costs across Northern Ireland has prompted fresh political pressure on Westminster, as planned fuel protests loom and Stormont’s First Minister and deputy First Minister jointly urge the Prime Minister to intervene without delay.

The developing row comes as households, businesses, farmers and hauliers across Northern Ireland face intensifying financial strain, with rising fuel and energy prices deepening the wider cost-of-living crisis.

In response to developing planned protests in the province, the Ulster Unionist Party has also issued a statement today saying it recognises the growing frustration among the public and the business community, but stresses that any demonstrations must remain lawful and must not disrupt vital road access or emergency services.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Ulster Unionist Party fully understands the frustrations being felt by everyone and businesses across Northern Ireland who are being hammered by sky high fuel costs. We also recognise the serious pressures facing our farmers, who are dealing with mounting fertiliser costs that will inevitably have knock on effects on food prices for everyone.

“Everyone has a legitimate right to protest, but it is a qualified right. Any protest must be lawful, must respect other people’s right to use the road network, to go about their daily lives and to run their livelihoods. Most importantly, protests must not impede the vital work of our emergency services.

“The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to call on the UK Government to implement a realistic, long-term plan for a substantial cut in fuel duty and to do so immediately. Working families, businesses and our farming community need support. These are the people being punished simply for going out to work and keeping our economy moving. Freezing or reversing duty increases is no longer enough; the Government needs bold action now.”

Stormont Executive leaders press Prime Minister for immediate intervention

Separately on Friday, 10 April 2026, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly confirmed they have written jointly to the Prime Minister, calling for urgent action to address what they described as escalating pressures on households and businesses here.

In a joint statement, the Executive leaders warned that the scale of the crisis is no longer sustainable.

They said:

“We are deeply concerned about the escalating pressures facing families, workers and businesses as fuel and energy costs continue to rise. The cost of fuel is putting significant pressure on, with increases not sustainable. These pressures are being felt in family homes here and beyond.

“Alongside rising fuel costs and escalating energy bills, there is also an impact on businesses. Our hauliers, our farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises are facing sharply increased operating costs too and these costs are inevitably being passed on further, deepening the cost-of-living crisis.

“Families and businesses cannot continue to absorb these sustained increases without intervention which is why we are calling on the Prime Minister to bring forward a package of measures to support those under pressure.

“This package should include a reduction in fuel duty to ease pressure on both households and businesses, targeted support for hauliers, farmers and SMEs and a comprehensive cost of living support package.

“Given the scale and immediacy of this crisis, we have asked the Prime Minister to act decisively and without delay.”

Pressure grows ahead of planned protests

The statements come amid plans for fuel-related protests across Northern Ireland, reflecting mounting public anger over rising costs at the pumps and the knock-on impact on everyday living expenses.

The issue is particularly acute for rural communities, commuters and the agricultural sector, where fuel and fertiliser prices directly affect household budgets, business overheads and food production costs.

For farmers, the warning over soaring fertiliser prices raises fresh concern about the impact on future food prices, with increased operational costs likely to be passed further down the supply chain.

Similarly, hauliers and SMEs are facing rising transport and energy bills, increasing pressure on already stretched margins.

The joint intervention from the Executive’s two most senior ministers adds further political weight to calls for Westminster to consider reductions in fuel duty and broader support measures.

Calls for long-term support

Both statements centre on demands for decisive action from the UK Government, with particular emphasis on a meaningful cut in fuel duty rather than short-term freezes or reversals of planned increases.

The Ulster Unionist Party said “bold action” is now required, while the First Minister and deputy First Minister have explicitly called for a wider support package covering households, businesses, transport operators and the farming sector.

With protests planned and cost pressures continuing to rise, attention will now turn to whether the Prime Minister responds with any immediate intervention measures.

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At a glance

• Planned fuel protests are expected across Northern Ireland

• UUP says it understands public and business frustration over rising costs

• Party stresses protests must remain lawful and not disrupt emergency services

• Farmers are facing soaring fertiliser costs alongside fuel prices

• First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have written to the Prime Minister

• They are calling for urgent action on fuel and energy costs

• Proposed measures include a fuel duty cut and targeted support for businesses

• Hauliers, SMEs and farming businesses are highlighted as under particular pressure

• Rising costs are said to be worsening the cost-of-living crisis