Balearic fishers get €750,000 diesel relief

Fishing boat owners across the Balearic Islands can claim a share of €750,000 to ease their diesel bills. The Balearic Government approved the scheme in Palma on 5 September for fuel bought while boats were working between 9 March and 14 June. Applications open on Sunday and close on 2 October through the Government’s online portal.

A Fisheries Directorate review found that, even after a state payment of €0.20 per litre, owners were still paying an average extra €0.204 per litre at Balearic fuel pumps. The new regional aid is designed to cover €0.20 per litre. The Government links the fuel rise to the war in the Middle East.

Payment depends on boat and fishing gear

The amount is based on each day a vessel was at sea, its length and the way it fishes. Trawlers can receive from €30.25 to €170.74 per working day. Purse-seine boats are eligible for €8.02 to €83.22, longline vessels for €21.97 to €56.23, and boats using mixed gear for €6.51 to €8.98.

No owner can receive more than €40,000. If valid claims add up to more than the €750,000 available, every award will be cut proportionately.

Which boat owners can claim

The scheme is for owners whose boats fished during the qualifying period. Their vessels must be based in the Balearic Islands, appear on the third list of the General Register of the Fishing Fleet and hold a licence for one of the covered fishing methods.

The autonomous community is paying the full cost of the fund. It forms part of Balearic Government measures worth more than €160 million aimed at easing the economic effects of the Middle East war.

Topics: Agriculture · Economy · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com