A small convoy of lorries and farm machinery took part in a protest in Co Tyrone on Saturday afternoon against rising fuel prices.
The protest, which was made up of around a dozen or so vehicles slowed traffic in the town in a stunt echoing the fuel demonstrations which paralysed the Republic in recent days.
Some of the vehicles carried signs calling for cuts to excise duty and other fuel taxes, as well as a cap on prices which have gone through the roof in the wake of the US-Israel-led war on Iran.
The latest protest followed a poorly-attended similar event in Enniskillen on Friday evening in which just a handful of vehicles were spotted taking part.
A string of AI-generated posters have appeared in recent days advertising protests across Northern Ireland over the rising cost of fuel.
The posters have also announced blockages for the Westlink in Belfast, Sprucefield in Lisburn, Larne Harbour, Derry, and other locations across the north over the coming days.
Speaking on Friday, the main groups representing farmers and hauliers in Northern Ireland distanced themselves from the plans.
In a statement to The Irish News, the Ulster Farmers’ Union said it was “aware of the planned protest but is not involved in organising it”.
“Farmers and businesses across Northern Ireland are frustrated as fuel and input costs continue to rise, placing real pressure on the agri-food sector and wider economy,” it said.
“The UFU’s role is to work constructively with government and decision-makers to secure practical solutions for farmers and our priority is ensuring that the concerns of our members are heard and acted upon through these channels.
“The UFU has requested direct engagement with the Prime Minister and relevant departments to discuss both the immediate challenges and the longer-term actions required to strengthen the resilience of UK and Northern Ireland agriculture.
“We would encourage that if any action is taken, it is safe, lawful and mindful of the wider public.”
The Road Haulage Association was equally clear, saying it had no involvement in any planned protests here.
“The RHA is not involved in organising fuel protests,” it said.
“Instead we’re calling on the government to scrap planned fuel duty increases and to introduce an Essential User Rebate for haulage, coach and van operators to reduce the costs of moving people and goods.”
A convoy of vehicles taking part in a fuel protest through Strabane on Saturday afternoon. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN COPYRIGHT / )
The news comes after Gardai in the Republic stepped in to clear protests in Dublin and Galway which caused widespread disruption in recent days.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police were in attendance at a protest in Strabane on Saturday afternoon, April 11. The event passed off peacefully and disruption to the local community was minimised.”