Trade unions in Keralam seek government intervention as kerosene crisis continues to hit fishing sector

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.

Jackson Pollayil, president of Kerala Swatantra Matsyathozhilali Federation, meanwhile, said that the fisherfolk in the State have for long been depending on external markets as the kerosene supplied by the government hardly met their demand.

“We have been demanding that the government ensure the supply of an adequate volume of kerosene for fishing boats through fuel pumps. We have raised the issues concerning the fuel supply to the State Fisheries Minister in a recent meeting also. We are awaiting a positive response from the government,” he said.