Northern Irish farmers and hauliers stage fuel protests

Farmers and hauliers brought parts of Northern Ireland to a standstill as co-ordinated fuel protests spread across the province, with convoys of tractors and lorries causing widespread disruption on major routes.

Police issued fixed penalty notices to several drivers for road traffic offences.

Others were cautioned for public order breaches as part of a policing operation aimed at limiting disruption and maintaining public safety.

The action began at 2pm on Tuesday (14 April) and was organised by a coalition of farmers, hauliers and rural contractors.

It drew support from across the agri-food and transport sectors in response to surging fuel costs.

See also: Farmers hit by red diesel price surge as PM offers no relief

Slow-moving convoys were reported on key roads including the Sydenham Bypass, Westlink, M2, A1, A4 and A5, with some disruption also on the A6 at Toome, as vehicles travelled in formation to maximise visibility and impact.

Farmer Stephen McKeown, who took part in a protest at Ballygawley, County Tyrone, told the BBC he would rather be working than protesting but felt compelled to act.

He cited rising costs and frustration over how public money is being spent.

Meanwhile, Martin Downey, a beef farmer from Dromore, told how he cycled to a protest on the  A1 in County Down as he could not afford to put diesel in his tractor.

The protests mirror similar action in Ireland in recent days, where demonstrations have led to major disruption and pressure on fuel supplies.

The Irish government has responded with a €505m (£440m) support package aimed at helping farmers, hauliers and other fuel-intensive sectors cope with the sharp rise in fuel costs, including targeted financial aid and cost-relief measures.

Diesel price pain

Red diesel prices have almost doubled to more than £1.20/litre, while road diesel has risen by around 30-40% to about 180p/litre in Northern Ireland and close to £2/litre in parts of Britain, adding significant pressure on already tight margins across the sector.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has warned that due to the fallout from conflict in the Middle East, farm businesses are facing a “perfect storm” of rising input costs, with fuel and fertiliser inflation compounding existing financial pressures, and has urged governments to intervene.

Writing on X, NI first minister Michelle O’Neill called on prime minister Keir Starmer to act.

“Over half of what people pay at the pump is tax.

“Only the British government has the power to cut this tax, but Keir Starmer is choosing not to act,” she wrote.

“The cost-of-living crisis is an emergency that demands immediate action.

“I will keep making people’s voices heard and challenge Keir Starmer to cut fuel tax without delay.”

Police response

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said a proportionate response was implemented “to ensure public safety and to help minimise disruption to the wider community”.

Chief superintendent Norman Haslett said the operation was designed to limit disruption to the strategic road network and protect critical infrastructure.

“The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights which are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest,” he said.

“However, these rights are balanced by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.”

He added that footage gathered during the operation would now be reviewed and further prosecutions considered where appropriate.