Mangaluru: In a move aimed at easing operational challenges faced by the fishing community, U. T. Khader on Wednesday directed the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) to arrange one LPG cylinder for each fishing boat operating from the Old Port in Mangaluru.
The Speaker also instructed the Fisheries Department to ensure uninterrupted supply of both diesel and LPG cylinders to fishing vessels, amid growing concerns over fuel shortages and rising costs affecting the sector.
Call to reopen diesel outlet
Chairing a meeting with fishermen leaders and officials of oil marketing companies (OMCs) at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Mr. Khader emphasised the urgent need to restore fuel infrastructure at the Old Port.
He directed the KFDC to immediately reopen its diesel outlet at the harbour, which has reportedly remained non-functional. To expedite the process, he asked the Director of Fisheries to provide the necessary code number to the outlet without delay, enabling OMCs to resume diesel supply at the earliest.
The reopening of the outlet is expected to streamline fuel distribution and reduce dependency on external sources, which has been a major concern for local fishermen.
Fishermen highlight fuel crisis
During the meeting, representatives of fishermen’s associations raised serious concerns about disruptions in diesel supply, attributing the issue to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Chetan Bengre, president of the Mangaluru Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association, stated that the irregular availability of diesel has adversely affected fishing operations. He pointed out that the recent hike in diesel prices has further burdened boat owners, many of whom are struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
He urged the government to step in and reimburse the increased fuel costs, arguing that such support is essential to keep the fishing industry viable.
LPG allocation and priority supply
Officials from OMCs informed the meeting that, as per a Union government circular, 20% of the total LPG distribution is earmarked for priority sectors. These include hospitals, educational institutions, Indira Canteens, restaurants, and fisheries.
The directive from Mr. Khader to allocate one LPG cylinder per boat aligns with this policy framework, potentially ensuring that fishing vessels receive a consistent supply for their operational needs.
The use of LPG in fishing boats, particularly for cooking and basic onboard requirements, is considered essential during extended fishing trips.
Wider impact on fishing community
The fishing industry in Mangaluru is a key economic driver in the coastal belt of Karnataka, supporting thousands of families directly and indirectly. Disruptions in fuel supply not only affect daily fishing activities but also have cascading effects on fish markets, exports, and allied sectors.
Fishermen have been grappling with multiple challenges in recent months, including fluctuating fuel prices, unpredictable weather conditions, and regulatory constraints. The current fuel crisis has added to their woes, making government intervention critical.
Conclusion
The directives issued by Speaker U.T. Khader signal a proactive approach to addressing the immediate concerns of the fishing community in Mangaluru. By ensuring access to LPG cylinders and restoring diesel supply infrastructure at the Old Port, authorities aim to stabilise operations and provide relief to fishermen.
However, long-term solutions, including fuel subsidies and infrastructure upgrades, may be necessary to safeguard the sustainability of the sector in the face of evolving economic and geopolitical challenges.