Demonstrators have caused traffic disruptions, taking their cue from rallies held in the Republic of Ireland as prices soar

Police in Northern Ireland have slapped fines on demonstrators who disrupted traffic to protest soaring fuel prices. Similar demonstrations began across the border in the Republic of Ireland last week.

Global fuel prices have soared since the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which around a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade passed before the conflict.

Northern Ireland police intervened in several slow-moving vehicle demonstrations along a number of major routes on Tuesday. One of the convoys, largely made up of tractors, caused traffic jams at the Sydenham bypass near Belfast City Airport, with numerous passengers seen walking with their luggage at the side of the road.

Calls for more protests across Northern Ireland slated for April 24 are reportedly spreading on social media.

The wave of mass protests began across the border in the Republic of Ireland last Tuesday with slow-moving convoys clogging roadways. The country has been hit particularly hard, with gasoline prices up by 15% and diesel currently costing nearly 30% more than in mid-February. Taxes account for nearly 60% of fuel costs in the EU country, and the protesters argue that the government should slash them to ease pressure on farmers, haulers, and commuters.

READ MORE: What is fueling unrest across the EU?

Police have since removed the blockades, after clashing with demonstrators and using pepper spray, but not before scores of fuel stations across the country ran dry.

Speaking to RT on Wednesday, former British MP Andrew Bridgen attributed the dire plight of farmers, haulers and other businesses in Ireland to EU policies.

In keeping with the bloc's 'green policies', consumers in Ireland are having to pay "50% tax, and then a 16% green levy on top," he explained.

"It's very difficult to see how businesses can cope with energy costs moving up at this rate," the former lawmaker added, citing his conversations with business people in Ireland.

Contributing to the general public discontent has been Brussels's recent decision to suspend subsidies to Irish farmers at a time when fuel and fertilizer prices have shot up.