Kerala fishing industry faces crisis due to marine diesel shortage

.Fishing boat operators in Kerala have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase diesel supply to marine fuel outlets amid an acute shortage affecting fishing operations. | Photo Credit: H. VIBHU

Fishing boat operators have urged the Prime Minister to augment diesel supply to marine fuel outlets in view of the acute fuel shortage.

The Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Kerala pointed out that diesel pump outlets in marine fishing areas are facing a severe shortage of supply, forcing many fishing boats to remain moored ashore. This comes at a time when weather conditions are favourable for fishermen to venture into the sea. However, the unexpected diesel shortage imposed by oil marketing companies has adversely affected fishing operations.

The fishing community has been actively engaged in fishing activities ahead of the two-month fishing ban beginning on July 1. In effect, fishermen now have only one and a half months of fishing season remaining.

Joseph Xavier Kalapurackal, general secretary of the association, urged the authorities to restore diesel supply in full strength to prevent fishermen’s families from falling into penury and starvation.

Published on May 15, 2026