Fuel Protests Paralyse Northern Ireland

The fuel crisis in Northern Ireland has intensified following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent local diesel prices soaring past £2 per litre.

Protesters have blocked oil supply routes and caused significant traffic jams, prompting warnings from health officials that the disruption could put lives at risk by delaying medical transport.

The cash-strapped Stormont executive is under immense pressure to mitigate the impact on the agricultural and haulage sectors, which are facing 'extortionate' operational costs.

Similar protests are expected to spread to the Republic of Ireland as the regional government faces a looming no-confidence vote over its handling of the crisis.