Fishermen hit by oil price hike demand subsidy

Hikkaduwa: Hit by rising oil prices fisherman in the South are demanding a subsidy on oil if they are to survive in their unpredictable profession.

Multi-day trawler owner S. K. Nandasena said that an increase of eight rupees in the price of oil has had a demoralising and financial impact on the fishing community. He has spent over Rs. 40,000 on oil to run his boats and earned only Rs. 30,000 from the sale of fish.

Another fisherman Sarath Pinnaduwa said that the increase in oil prices has badly affected the fishing industry as well as his personal life." The cost of living has soared causing financial distresses.The state should grant an oil subsidy".

Nihal Weerasuriya of the Hikkaduwa Fishing Bay, said that over 100 vessels are engaged in deep sea fishing daily. "Each vessel needs around 5000 litres of oil per day. The total oil consumption is high and expenses are not manageable."

This, he said has compelled fisherman to indulge in unauthorised fishing techniques such as use of dynamite, which are detrimental to coral polyps and other marine resources.

Multi-day trawler owner S. K. Lal said that with the increase of oil prices, the bus owners have urged the authorities, for a corresponding increase in bus fares and threatened strike action when they fail to do so.

"We who supply fresh fish to the public remain helpless with our finances declining by the day. An oil subsidy will help ease our burdens", he said.