Panaji: Just as the Goan fishing community started to breathe a sigh of relief after the commercial LPG shortage, the sharp rise in diesel prices has plagued boat operators. Diesel has surged from Rs 89 per litre to Rs 138 per litre.Operators say the cost of a single fishing expedition has increased, requiring between 5,000 and 7,000 litres of diesel per trip. “At this price, we won’t be able to go fishing every day,” said Jose Philip D’Souza, president of All Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association.
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In addition, cumulative expenses have surged, with fishermen spending Rs 1 lakh on food provisions, along with additional costs for water, supplies, and crew wages during 10-day trips. “When you add everything—diesel, provisions and salaries—it becomes extremely difficult to sustain this business,” D’Souza told TOI.Fishermen argue that the fuel-dependent sector requires urgent policy intervention. Without subsidies or price relief, they said that more fishermen may be forced to halt operations, impacting livelihoods.“Nearly 70% to 80% of boats are currently venturing out to sea; however, the recovery remains partial, as the rest of the fleet continues to stay anchored due to mounting operational costs,” said Harshad Dhond, president of the All Goa Purse-seine Boat Owners Association.“We are somehow managing at the moment, but the situation is fragile and unpredictable. Many still cannot afford to operate,” Dhond said.
