Swann Calls for Fuel Duty Cut to Support Farmers Amid Rise in Red Diesel Costs

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has backed a parliamentary motion calling for urgent government intervention as agricultural fuel prices soar. This follows recent data showing that the price of red diesel has climbed to 123.7p per litre, marking a 79 percent increase from the 2025 average.

The agricultural sector is currently facing a number of rising overheads, with fertiliser costs also jumping significantly to £530 per tonne. This sharp increase is largely due to global instability and the blockade of trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz, which continues to push up oil and gas prices. Current analysis suggests that the UK farming industry could face an additional £337 million this year in red diesel costs alone.

Mr Swann is joining calls for a 10 percent reduction in fuel duty which would directly lower the cost of red diesel and provide immediate relief to farm businesses struggling with the impact of increased costs.

The Ulster Unionist MP commented:

"The current price of red diesel is unsustainable and places a huge burden on the farming community in South Antrim and across Northern Ireland. These soaring costs for fuel and fertiliser are eating directly into farm profitability at a time when food security is incredibly important.

"We cannot expect our farmers to absorb these massive overhead increases without support. I am calling on the Government to take decisive action by reducing fuel duty, including through a 10 percent cut to fuel duty to ensure food production does not suffer due to global instability.