The Central government has directed the rollback of a Rs 22.43 per litre increase in diesel price for fishing boats in Gujarat. This decision came after representations by the state government highlighting the impact on fishermen. The price hike was implemented by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in partnership with the Gujarat Fisheries Federation (GFCCA) to provide discounted diesel to fishermen.
In response to concerns raised by fishing communities along the Gujarat coast, various stakeholders, including Ministers, legislators, local leaders, and fishing organizations, voiced their apprehensions. State Fisheries Minister Jitu Vaghani, in a letter to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, expressed serious concerns over the additional financial burden of Rs 22.43 per litre on fishermen. Vaghani emphasized that fishermen were being categorized under the ‘consumer segment’, leading to higher operational costs.
Minister Vaghani highlighted the significance of fishermen in ensuring food security and livelihood in coastal regions. He pointed out that the fuel expenses significantly impact fishing activities. Vaghani urged for a special exception for the fisheries sector, similar to other cases where exceptions were granted to minimize public hardship. Following these representations, the Central government instructed BPCL to withdraw the price hike, ensuring that fishermen in Gujarat continue to receive diesel at concessional rates.
Expressing gratitude for the decision, Minister Vaghani thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for their support. Vaghani reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of fishermen and pledged to continue supporting them.
