Fishermen warn of halt in operations over fuel costs
It added that fishermen are unable to go to sea at current prices, affecting income for fishing households.
The Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen’s Union on Friday called on the government to ensure that fuel is supplied to fishing vessels at previous rates, stating that fuel has not yet been made available at those prices despite earlier assurances by the State Trading Organisation (STO).
In a statement, the union said changes in fuel prices linked to developments in the Middle East are affecting the fishing sector and warned that operations could stop if prices continue to rise.
The union said that although STO announced that fishing vessels and public transport providers would be able to obtain fuel at previous rates, this has not been implemented for vessels operating in the Malé area.
It added that fishermen are unable to go to sea at current prices, affecting income for fishing households.
“We call upon the government to immediately ensure that fishing vessels can access fuel at rates that allow them to continue operations,” the statement said.
Fuel prices in the Maldives were increased following a rise in global oil prices linked to developments in the Middle East.
Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) said earlier that fuel prices for fishermen would remain unchanged under the government’s “Fahi Hakatha” programme.
According to MIFCO, vessels that supply fish to the company can purchase diesel at MVR 16.54 per litre, while vessels over three tonnes can obtain diesel at MVR 16.04 per litre. The rate for the general public remains at MVR 17.54 per litre.
