Mechanised boat owners seek govt aid to stabilise fuel prices

Panaji: Despite a sharp rise in diesel prices, owners of mechanised boats in Goa continue to operate their vessels as they await govt intervention to ease financial burden. According to the All Goa Purse-Seiners Boat Owners Association, diesel is currently available but at steep rates of Rs 112 per litre, as opposed to Rs 89 earlier.“We have ample fuel, but at this price, it is not financially possible in the long run,” the association’s president, Harshad Dhond, said. They have already raised the issue with the authorities concerned, routing a representation through the directorate of fisheries and the department of civil supplies. However, members said there has been no proper response so far. While some vessels have temporarily halted operations — with around 15–20 boats anchored at jetties — many operators have continued fishing activities to sustain their livelihoods.Boat owners have not taken a collective decision yet to suspend operations and are monitoring the situation. Dhond added that while the fish prices are stable right now, no timely govt support and price stabilisation may result in more vessels remaining docked. “If large boats discontinue venturing into the sea, the shortage in fish availability will result in price hikes,” he said.