Trade unions in Keralam seek government intervention as kerosene crisis continues to hit fishing sector
The workers in the sector say that the recent rise in the price of fuel, coupled with the reduction in supply by the Centre, has affected them badly
The fisheries sector in Keralam is grappling with a kerosene shortage, according to trade unions who have called for immediate government intervention. The unions claim that the recent increase in fuel prices, along with a reduction in supply from the central government, has severely impacted the sector. Yesudas Parappilly, secretary of the Matsyathozhilali Union in Ernakulam district, noted that the recent ₹6 increase in the price of kerosene, from ₹71 to ₹77 per litre, has dealt a significant blow to an industry already struggling due to a reduction in the state's kerosene quota.
The quota has been cut by 16.08 litres in the first three quarters of the year, forcing fisherfolk to purchase the product at higher prices in external markets. Jackson Pollayil, president of the Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation, highlighted that fisherfolk have long relied on external markets as the government-supplied kerosene fails to meet their needs.
The federation has been demanding that the government ensure an adequate supply of kerosene for fishing boats through fuel pumps and has raised these concerns with the state fisheries minister during a recent meeting, awaiting a positive response from the administration.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
