In a statement issued on Friday, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly said: “We are deeply concerned about the escalating pressures facing families, workers and businesses as fuel and energy costs continue to rise.
“The cost of fuel is putting significant pressure on, with increases not sustainable.
“Our hauliers, our farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises are facing sharply increased operating costs too and these costs are inevitably being passed on further, deepening the cost-of-living crisis.
“Families and businesses cannot continue to absorb these sustained increases without intervention.”
The Nipsa trade union also warned that the “rising cost of getting to work is placing significant pressure on household budgets” and is “calling on employers and government to take urgent, practical steps to support workers”.