To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any representations she has made to HM Treasury regarding the scheduled increase in fuel duty from January 2027; and (ii) whether she has sought a further extension of the existing five pence per litre reduction, in light of recent increases in petrol and diesel prices.

Recent increases in petrol and diesel prices have added to the financial pressures facing many households and businesses across the North, particularly those with limited ability to absorb higher costs.

Given these concerns, I wrote to the British Government in April highlighting the significant impact that rising fuel prices are having on consumers and businesses here. In that correspondence, I noted that many households and businesses in the North are particularly exposed to increases in fuel costs due to a reliance on private transport and the limited availability of public transport in some areas.

I also highlighted the impact on businesses, many of which have seen operating costs rise sharply as a result of increased fuel prices. Sectors such as transport, logistics, agriculture and construction are especially vulnerable to these pressures, which can affect competitiveness and add further inflationary pressures across the wider economy.

In light of these circumstances, I called on the British Government to take action by reducing fuel duty and to reconsider any planned increases in fuel duty while fuel prices remain elevated. I also drew attention to measures introduced by the Irish Government to reduce fuel taxes and the positive response these measures received from consumers and businesses.

I will continue to engage with the British Government and make the case that the impact of fuel price increases on households and businesses across the North should be fully considered when decisions are being taken on fuel duty policy.