Archibald calls for fuel duty and VAT cuts as pressure on families and business grows

Date published: 25 September 2026

The most recent information from the NI Consumer Council suggests that petrol prices are now around 166p per litre, with diesel at 190p per litre. The Consumer Council has reported that diesel prices in some areas are approaching 200p per litre.

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, Minister Archibald announced the new Household Electricity Discount Scheme, providing 860,000 households across Northern Ireland with a £63 payment this year to support their electricity costs.

This 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.”