The Tamil Nadu Fishermen Federation has urged the Union government to roll back the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating that the increase would severely affect the livelihood of fishermen and other sections of the public.

In a statement, A. Tajudeen, general secretary of the federation, said the rise in fuel prices would trigger inflation and burden people already facing economic hardship. He alleged that the Union government’s economic policies over the past decade had adversely affected the common people and that the latest increase would worsen the situation.

Mr. Tajudeen said diesel expenses accounted for nearly 70% of the operational costs incurred by fishermen. He pointed out that fishermen were already facing multiple challenges and that the increase in diesel prices would threaten their livelihood.

He criticised the levy of road tax and green tax on diesel used for fishing activities. Fishermen, he said, did not use roads for their occupation and operated in marine areas without causing environmental degradation comparable to other sectors.

The federation urged the Centre to reduce petrol and diesel prices and exempt diesel used for fishing activities from taxes such as green tax and road tax. Referring to the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr. Tajudeen said diesel prices had remained comparatively lower even when international crude oil prices had risen sharply.