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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