Disruptions in cooking gas, diesel supply continue to affect fisheries sector

The fisheries sector continues to be affected by the fuel crisis caused by the West Asia tension. Disruptions in supply of cooking gas and diesel have hit the sector badly while the hike in price of kerosene has added to the crisis, according to stakeholders.

Fisherfolk operating boats engaged in deep-sea fishing, who spend several days at sea, were at the receiving end due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Around 2,000 people engaged in fishing-related work at the Thoppumpady harbour were affected, as several deep-sea fishing vessels such as gillnet, longline, and trawl net boats remained idle at the harbour. These boats typically remain at sea for 15-20 days at a stretch, making cooking gas essential for preparing food for the crew.

The Kochi Longline Boat and Gillnet Buying Agents Association had earlier likened the situation to that of the hotel industry, which had come to a near standstill due to the fuel crisis.