Trade unions in Keralam seek government intervention as kerosene crisis continues to hit fishing sector
Trade unions in Kerala are seeking government intervention to address a severe kerosene shortage affecting the fishing sector. Rising fuel prices and reduced government quotas have forced fishers to rely on expensive external markets.
Why it matters
The crisis highlights the economic vulnerability of the fishing industry to fuel price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The fisheries sector in Keralam continues to face a shortage of kerosene, according to trade unions, which have sought urgent government intervention to address their woes.
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.
Matsyathozhilali Union (CITU) Ernakulam district secretary Yesudas Parappilly said that the recent hike of ₹6 on a litre of kerosene to ₹77 from ₹71 has come as a major blow to the sector, which had already been affected by the repeated cut in the State’s kerosene quota.
“A total of 16.08 litres has been cut from the quota in the three quarters this year. The fisherfolk have been forced to depend on external markets which sell the product on a higher price,” Mr. Parappilly said, seeking urgent intervention by the State government.
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