Spain weighs diesel aid: up to 70% for farmers, fishers

Spain is weighing diesel help for farmers and fishers as fuel prices climb, with the government saying instability around the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz has added to the pressure. Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Luis Planas said in Madrid on 16 September that the Council of Ministers would consider and decide on measures in the coming weeks. The support could cover up to 70% of the rise from earlier prices.

The government is considering tools authorised by the European Commission until 31 October. Planas said the disruption affecting oil and gas markets was hitting both farming and fishing, where the sector has threatened to tie up its boats.

He said the measures could also help hold back rising food prices. Spain has already launched a €665 million package to cushion higher fertiliser costs, with about €400 million paid in support to more than 200,000 farmers and livestock keepers.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com