First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have written to the Prime Minister, calling for swift government intervention to address the mounting burden of rising fuel and energy costs in Northern Ireland.

In a joint statement, the ministers highlighted the severe strain being placed on the local economy and residents. They warned that the current trend of increasing costs has become unsustainable for both domestic households and the commercial sector. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly 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."