Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has made an urgent appeal to the British Government to slash fuel duty, citing the severe financial strain that rising petrol and diesel prices are placing on local households and businesses.

The Minister raised the issue during discussions with the Cabinet Office this morning and followed up with a formal letter to Peter Kyle MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. She stressed that immediate intervention is required as fuel costs continue to climb in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Dr Archibald highlighted that prices across the North have spiked by between 20% and 40% in only a few days, creating a sudden financial crisis for consumers. The Minister said: "Fuel duty must be reduced as a matter of urgency. Petrol and diesel prices across the north have risen by between 20% and 40% in just a matter of days, creating sudden and unmanageable costs for households and businesses."

Drawing a comparison to recent policy changes in the Republic of Ireland, the Minister noted that the Irish Government has already implemented a reduction in Mineral Oil Tax for petrol, diesel, and Marked Gas Oil. This move, she noted, has been well-received by both the public and the business community in the south.

Dr Archibald called for a similar response from Westminster, including the cancellation of future tax hikes.

The Minister continued: "The British Government must now act with the same urgency. Alongside an immediate reduction in fuel duty, the planned fuel duty increases due to come into effect from September must be withdrawn if fuel prices remain elevated."