Fuel supply ‘normal’ in Northern Ireland despite shortages fears as prices surge

Sainsbury’s in Ballymena

Motorists across Northern Ireland have been reassured that fuel continues to be delivered as normal, despite reports over the weekend of shortages at a small number of local filling stations.

The reassurance from Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald comes as drivers face a sharp rise in costs at the pumps, with new figures showing petrol and diesel prices have climbed to their highest levels in more than two years.

Dr Archibald said there is no confirmed disruption to local fuel supply chains, seeking to calm concerns sparked by isolated reports of stations running low.

She said:

“My officials are in regular contact with the oil and fuel depots here, and I can confirm that fuel continues to be delivered as normal. We will continue to work closely with industry, other government departments, the Irish Government and British Government, and key supply-chain partners to monitor and maintain supply.”

The statement is likely to offer reassurance to motorists in Ballymena and across Mid and East Antrim, where concerns over supply can quickly lead to panic buying and further pressure on local filling stations.

Prices climb sharply in just one month

While supply remains stable, the cost of filling up has risen dramatically.

According to the latest RAC figures, average petrol prices across the UK have now reached 152.01p per litre, while diesel has surged to 181.20p per litre.

The latest data shows just how steep the increase has been since 28 February 2026:

• Petrol: up from 132.83p to 152.01p per litre

• Diesel: up from 142.38p to 181.20p per litre

That represents a rise of:

• +19.2p per litre for petrol (14.4% increase)

• +38.8p per litre for diesel (27.3% increase)

Diesel prices have risen at almost double the rate of petrol, placing even greater pressure on drivers of vans, work vehicles and diesel family cars.

Most recently in Ballymena, unleaded ranges from 146.9 to 153.9 pence per litre, while diesel is currently ranging from 172.9 to 183.9 pence per litre.

RAC warns of growing pressure on households

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the financial impact on drivers is intensifying.

He said:

“Average petrol prices have now reached 152p a litre - the highest in 28 months - while diesel has exceeded the 180p mark to hit 181.2p, a price we’ve not seen since December 2022. Compared to the start of the Iran conflict, it costs £10.55 more to fill up a typical family car that runs on petrol, and £21.35 more for a comparative diesel car.

“The financial strain on the eight-in-10 motorists that tell us they depend on their cars continues to build, and at a particularly rapid rate for those who drive diesel vehicles.

“We encourage drivers to continue to fill up as normal and use free apps such as myRAC to pay the lowest price possible each time they fill up.”

For many households in Ballymena and surrounding rural areas, where car travel is often essential for commuting, school runs and daily life, the latest increases are likely to be keenly felt.

Reassurance amid local concerns

The Minister’s intervention appears aimed at preventing unnecessary alarm after weekend reports of shortages at some forecourts.

By stressing that deliveries are continuing as normal, officials hope to avoid the kind of rush buying that can itself create localised shortages.

For now, the message to drivers is clear: fuel is still flowing, but it is costing significantly more.

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At a glance

• Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald says fuel deliveries are continuing as normal

• No confirmed disruption to local fuel supply chains

• Some local filling stations reported shortages over the weekend

• Petrol price now 152.01p per litre

• Diesel price now 181.20p per litre

• Petrol up 19.2p (14.4%) since 28 February

• Diesel up 38.8p (27.3%) since 28 February

• Diesel has passed 180p per litre for the first time since December 2022

• RAC warns rising costs are putting pressure on households

• Drivers urged to continue filling up as normal