IN PHOTOS: West Asia conflict hits Mumbai fishing industry, boats docked with empty diesel drums

Mumbai fishing industry faces a severe crisis as rising fuel prices linked to the West Asia conflict disrupt operations. Boats remain anchored near Gateway of India, while fishermen demand subsidies, fuel price protection, and policy support to prevent a complete shutdown. (Pic/Ashish Raje)

Updated On: 2026-03-23 09:14 PM IST

Compiled by : Tarun Verma

Cargo vessels from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust pass the iconic Gateway of India into the busy shipping lanes of the Arabian Sea (Pic/Ashish Raje)

The situation has intensified in the wake of the escalating West Asia war that has disrupted global fuel dynamics and marine transportation across the globe

Furthermore, in view of global crisis, the Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti (AMMKS) has issued an urgent appeal to both the Centre and the Maharashtra government, warning that the crisis could bring the state’s fishing industry to a standstill

Along the coast of Colaba Koliwada, near the Gateway, several fishing boats remain anchored with empty diesel drums visible onboard

Fishermen leaders argue that this pricing structure is unsustainable and discriminatory, especially at a time when operational costs are already rising due to geopolitical uncertainties

On the contrary, the association has placed a three-point demand before the government: immediate removal of fisheries from the “bulk/industrial” category, implementation of fuel price protection for the sector, and granting agriculture status to fisheries to ensure subsidies and policy support

With the Arabian Sea witnessing heavy maritime traffic and geopolitical tensions influencing fuel costs, the coming days will be critical in determining whether authorities step in to stabilise prices

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