The ongoing fuel crisis following West Asia tensions continues to disrupt Kerala’s fisheries sector, with shortages of cooking gas and diesel affecting fishing operations. A sharp increase in kerosene prices has also added to the difficulties faced by fisher-folk.

Deep-sea fishing crews have been particularly impacted due to the non-availability of commercial LPG cylinders. At Thoppumpady harbour in Kochi, around 2,000 people engaged in fishing-related activities have been affected as several vessels — including gillnet, long-line and trawl boats — remain idle.

These vessels usually stay at sea for 15 to 20 days, making cooking gas essential for the crew. The Kochi Longline Boat and Gillnet Buying Agents Association said the situation was comparable to the slowdown faced by the hotel industry during a fuel crunch.

Nearly 600 deep-sea fishing vessels dock at Thoppumpady harbour every month. Due to the shortage of cooking gas, many have been forced to cut short their trips, affecting harbour operations, said A.M. Noushad, president of the association. Although the situation has shown some improvement, supply remains inconsistent, with about 50 boats still idle.

The crisis has been worsened by insufficient diesel availability at inland fuel stations catering to fishing vessels, particularly affecting purse seine and small-scale boats.

The Matsya Thozhilali Federation has criticised the Centre over a steep hike in kerosene prices supplied to the sector. The price has reportedly increased by ₹52.37 per litre, rising from ₹103 to ₹155.37 in a single revision.

The allotted 140 to 180 litres of kerosene per vessel, based on engine capacity, is inadequate even for a few days of fishing. While the State government has increased the subsidy to ₹50 per litre through Matsyafed, it said the benefit has been offset by the recent price hike. The Federation has called for an immediate rollback and better fuel supply.

Charles George, president, Kerala Fisheries Workers Coordination Forum said fishermen are able to operate only for one or two days a month using subsidised kerosene. For the rest of the time, they depend on costly fuel from the black market.

During the January–May period, fish are usually found in deeper waters beyond 50 metres due to rising coastal temperatures. This forces even traditional fishing units to travel farther and spend more time at sea, increasing fuel consumption and operational costs, he said.

Published on April 16, 2026