A slow-moving convoy of dozens of vehicles snaked through Northern Ireland on Saturday in a dramatic protest against soaring fuel costs, with organizers declaring solidarity with simultaneous demonstrations across the border in the Republic of Ireland.
The protest, which began at 15:30 BST from an industrial estate outside Strabane, included a diverse fleet of vans, lorries, tractors, and even a limousine. Participants engaged in a 'go-slow' around the town centre before crossing into Lifford, County Donegal, and returning, with many vehicles displaying signs demanding cuts to fuel bills.
"There's real anger across the whole island of Ireland about rising prices, not only with fuel but the cost of living and the cost of a bag of messages out of the supermarkets," said protest organizer Michael McLaughlin. "All the people who went out, day after day, working to keep the country going during the pandemic—they're the workers who are getting hammered left, right, and centre."
McLaughlin emphasized that the gathering aimed to "articulate that anger" and send a clear message to the political class that "enough is enough."
Paddy McLaughlin, who owns a vehicle recovery company, highlighted the severe financial strain, noting his fuel bill had surged by over £5,000 in the past month. "We're working for nothing at the minute and we can't sustain that," he stated, adding that he would be taking his lorries off the road immediately. He estimated needing an additional 25-30% in revenue to resume operations, asserting, "That's our profit—the government's not losing out, they're still making their money."
The protest remained peaceful, with a low-key police presence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it was monitoring social media calls for planned protests and had prepared responses to minimize disruption and ensure public safety. The Department for Infrastructure advised travelers to allow extra time for journeys.
Fuel prices have skyrocketed in Northern Ireland, with petrol rising from 124.8p per litre in late February to 153.1p, and diesel jumping from 132.6p to 185.6p per litre, according to the Consumer Council. The surge is largely driven by global oil market disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted 20% of the world's oil trade.
In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly called for government intervention, warning that hauliers, farmers, and small businesses are facing unsustainable operating costs that are deepening the cost-of-living crisis. "Families and businesses cannot continue to absorb these sustained increases without intervention," they stated.