Fuel protests have already hit Northern Ireland, in advance of the planned 2 pm time for protests to take place at key road intersections and roundabouts across the region.
Slow-moving tractors have already blocked the Sydenham By-Pass into the city, and further protests are due this afternoon.
But the protestors have come in from sharp criticism from business groups and others, most of whom see the actions as counter productive. It’s also been stressed out that the Northern Ireland Executive has almost nothing at its disposal to help mitigate the fuel price situation. The PSNI, meanwhile, says that it is monitoring the situation.
Protest organisers in Northern Ireland say they are standing in solidarity with those across the border where hundreds of petrol stations are without fuel because of the protests.
The police said they were aware of traffic on the Sydenham Bypass and were advising road users to allow extra time for their journeys. Both Belfast airports have also advised travellers to leave extra time for their journeys, and schools authorities are also keeping a close eye on developments.
At Stormont, the DUP has criticised the protest action as has Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir. Sinn Fein has yet to make any official statement.