Over half of drivers in Northern Ireland are cutting back on essential household spending—including food, heating and utilities—as surging fuel prices continue to squeeze family budgets, new research suggests.
A survey of 800 motorists found that rising petrol and diesel costs are forcing households to tighten spending elsewhere to keep cars on the road, with many reporting reductions in weekly grocery bills and in discretionary spending such as dining out and entertainment.
Fuel prices in Northern Ireland have risen sharply since late February, with petrol increasing from 124.8p to 153.1p per litre and diesel climbing from 132.6p to 185.6p over the same period, according to industry data.
The squeeze has prompted widespread changes in driving habits, with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they are cutting non-essential journeys, while a large majority report driving more cautiously to conserve fuel.
The findings, compiled by CompareNI.com, also indicate growing openness to electric vehicles, with more than a quarter of drivers considering switching to escape volatile pump prices.
The pressure on households has been compounded by protests across Northern Ireland by farmers and haulage operators, who warn that rising operating costs are eroding already-thin margins and threatening livelihoods.
Around 55% of respondents said they have been forced to tighten their overall household budgets, while a fifth reported cutting back on groceries, and more than a tenth have reduced spending on utilities.
Analysts say the shift highlights how sustained energy price inflation is feeding through into wider cost-of-living pressures, with transport costs increasingly dictating spending decisions across the economy.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “With fuel prices continuing to soar, households are having to making difficult choices as they struggle to cover the cost of everyday essentials.
“Almost two-thirds of drivers here are taking measures to trim their household bills, such as cutting back on groceries, heating their home less, or getting rid of subscription services.
“While there may be no end in sight to the fuel crisis, there are some simple steps drivers can take to help stretch their budgets further and take some of the pressure off.
“Small changes such as avoiding unnecessary idling, regular servicing and checking tyre pressure can add up over time and help motorists reduce their fuel bills.”
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