Ondarroa fleet: diesel prices keep boats in port

Ondarroa’s fishing fleet remains tied up as diesel prices make going to sea uneconomic, PNV MP Joseba Andoni Agirretxea told the Congress of Deputies in Madrid on Wednesday, 23 September. Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Luis Planas said the government is working on relief measures. The price rise is creating a “very substantial extra cost” for the fleet, he said.

Diesel accounts for an average 50% of fishing vessels’ inputs, according to Planas. Agirretxea said the fuel price was threatening the viability of the industry and that being forced to stay in port was among the hardest situations for people who make their living from the sea.

Call for support based on each boat’s use

Agirretxea said the current aid was not enough and called for payments to reflect the real fuel use of each vessel. He argued that a 20-cent cap, calculated using an official reference consumption that is often lower than the true figure, sharply reduces the compensation boats actually receive.

He also urged the government to extend the support scheme. Pointing to France, he said its 35-cent-per-litre aid at the pump had been confirmed until 31 December.

Warning that boats may not return

The MP said the diesel surge was adding to pressures the fishing industry has faced for years, including a lack of younger recruits, rising costs, the discard policy, bureaucracy and regulatory decisions from Brussels.

The immediate danger is not only that boats are tied up now, Agirretxea warned. Some may remain in port for good.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com