First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer requesting urgent measures against rising fuel and energy costs in Northern Ireland.

The joint letter seeks a reduction in fuel duty, targeted aid for hauliers, farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises, plus a broad cost-of-living support plan.

They expressed concern over pressures on families, workers, and businesses from unsustainable fuel price increases and higher energy bills.

The leaders noted that hauliers, farmers, and SMEs face elevated operating costs, which pass through to consumers and worsen the cost-of-living situation.

They pressed the Prime Minister for decisive action without delay to assist households and businesses unable to sustain these rises.

Protests over fuel costs are planned in Northern Ireland in the coming days.

Alliance leader Naomi Long and Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood also wrote to the Prime Minister requesting a temporary fuel duty cut, VAT relief on agricultural diesel and home heating oil, and a higher windfall tax on energy firms.

A Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson called for a substantial, long-term fuel duty cut and stressed that any protests must stay lawful, preserve road access, and avoid blocking emergency services.