Kendrapada: Fishermen across Odisha have decided to stay off the sea from June 15, even after the two-month annual fishing ban ends, citing an unsustainable rise in diesel prices, affecting their livelihood.
Odisha Marine Fish Producers Association (OMFPA) on Saturday announced an indefinite boycott of marine fishing operations across the state, despite the ban period — from April 15 to June 14 to protect fish during the breeding season — coming to an end. The decision was taken unanimously at the association’s general body meeting, OMFPA president Srikant Parida said at Paradip.
“The steep hike in diesel prices has emerged as the most pressing concern for fishermen. While retail consumers purchase diesel at around Rs 99-101 per litre, marine fishermen are forced to procure fuel from harbour consumer outlets at bulk industrial rates of Rs 140-142 per litre. A deep-sea fishing vessel consumes several thousand litres of diesel per voyage. This has pushed up operational costs by lakhs, making fishing economically unviable. As a result, many boats are lying idle at harbours,” he said.
Additional fisheries officer, Paradip, Tapan Mohapatra, attributed the price rise to global factors. “Global energy disruptions, triggered by the West Asia conflict, have pushed up diesel prices, putting marine fishermen under severe stress. We hope the situation improves soon,” he said, adding that the department does not provide subsidised diesel to marine fishermen.
The association also flagged this lack of fuel subsidies in Odisha, contrasting it with support extended to the fishermen in other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat. “Despite contributing equally to the economy and seafood exports, Odisha fishermen are denied similar benefits,” Parida said.
The OMFPA further criticised a recent directive of the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas asking large fuel consumers to procure diesel through designated bulk-sale channels or their own pumps, instead of retail outlets, saying it has compounded their burden.
The association urged both the Centre and state govt to intervene immediately to address the demands. “Fishermen are not asking for special privileges but only parity with their counterparts in other coastal states,” Parida said.
About two lakh marine fishermen and allied workers in Odisha are estimated to be affected by the crisis.
Besides fuel, expenses on vessel maintenance, fishing gear, spare parts, engine repairs, labour, ice and food supplies have increased sharply in recent years. At the same time, fish availability in traditional fishing grounds has declined, affecting catch volumes and profitability. Many vessel owners are struggling to repay loans, while fishermen are finding it difficult to sustain their families, the association said.
Fishing boats docked at Paradip harbour
