Fuel protesters caused significant disruption across Northern Ireland as slow-moving convoys of tractors, lorries and other vehicles travelled along major routes, including the Sydenham bypass near Belfast City Airport, the A1 near Hillsborough, and roads in Omagh and Ballygawley. The demonstrations, aimed at highlighting anger over rising energy and fuel costs, led to lengthy traffic delays but did not reach the scale of recent blockades seen in the Republic of Ireland.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt urged protesters not to block roads, warning that disruption could endanger patients and delay emergency and health services. Police maintained a low-key presence while advising motorists to expect delays and allow extra time for journeys.

Participants said the protest was about the wider cost-of-living crisis rather than farming alone, describing fuel price increases as unsustainable. Political leaders have called for urgent discussions and support measures, including potential reductions in fuel duty and targeted assistance for businesses and households, as energy prices continue to rise following instability in the Middle East that has disrupted global supplies.