Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has urged British Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds MP to move quickly to cut fuel duty and VAT, warning that surging pump prices are intensifying strain on households and businesses across Northern Ireland.

Her intervention comes as the latest figures from the NI Consumer Council indicate average petrol prices of around 166p per litre and diesel at about 190p per litre, with diesel in some areas approaching 200p.

Minister Archibald said: "Families and businesses across the north continue to face sustained financial pressure; with prices at the fuel pumps rising, energy prices to heat homes and run businesses on a worrying upward trajectory, and no end in sight. "Hauliers, farmers and many other businesses, are reporting that higher transport costs are feeding directly into a challenging landscape, with the cost of doing business becoming increasingly unsustainable.

"The British Government can and should be doing more to help local people, so I've written to Minister Reynolds today calling for an immediate cut to fuel duty and VAT on road fuels."

Last week, Dr Archibald announced the new Household Electricity Discount Scheme, which will provide a £63 payment this year to 860,000 households across Northern Ireland to help with electricity costs.

This support is in addition to the £100 Oil Discount Scheme, which is currently open for applications.

Minister Archibald added: "While these measures provide some welcome support, it is clear that businesses and communities here need much more support; support that needs to come from the British Government and the fiscal levers it should pull immediately, to help people who are struggling now."