Minister says fuel costs not passed to fishermen

Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam on Saturday said the government is managing fuel costs without passing them on to fishermen.

He made the remarks in response to a report citing concerns from fishermen over access to fuel and its impact on fishing activities.

Fishermen interviewed in the report said that access to fuel at lower prices is limited and that supply conditions have affected operations. Some stated that subsidised fuel is available only at the Kooddoo fisheries complex in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, with restrictions on supply.

In a post on social media, Shiyam said the government is working to ensure that fishermen are able to continue operations.

“Despite the increase in oil prices on the global market, the government has been managing fuel issues to date without placing that burden on our fishermen,” he said.

He added that bait availability is improving and that steps are being taken to deploy fish collection vessels to areas with higher catch levels. He said the government is working with industry stakeholders to address challenges faced by companies in the sector.

The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Association raised concerns last month regarding access to fuel. The association said that although State Trading Organisation (STO) had indicated fuel would be available at earlier rates, fishermen in the Malé area were unable to obtain fuel at those prices.

The association warned that continued difficulties in accessing fuel could affect fishing activities.