Mallorca fishing boats face €1,000 daily fuel bills

Fishing boats linked to Mallorca’s fishing industry can face daily costs of up to €1,000 as fuel prices rise. The Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds says diesel alone can cost some fishing boats, referred to as barques de bou, €900 a day. On 18 September, the Mallorca business association PIMEM said higher fuel prices had left several parts of the island’s economy at a “limit”.

Federation president Domingo Bonnin said the price paid by fishermen had risen from €0.64 per litre last January to €1.407 per litre last Monday. He said fishermen had no alternative to this fuel.

Farmers and hauliers under strain

Farmers say the pressure is becoming impossible to bear. Fuel that cost €0.9 per litre in August 2025 rose to €1.24 in May 2026 and reached €1.7 this week, according to Unió de Pagesos.

Its coordinator, Joan Gaia, said falling consumption was adding to the damage from higher fuel costs, making conditions especially difficult for businesses in the sector.

Hauliers also say they are close to their limit. Jeroni Valcaneras, president of Astam, said available aid did not cover even 10% of their losses. Fuel accounts for between 30% and 40% of a transport firm’s operating costs, he said.

More businesses feel the hit

Small and medium-sized firms in the nautical sector have also been affected. Their association, Apanib, said fuel prices had climbed 25% over the past year, putting particular pressure on local family businesses without the financial strength of larger companies.

Bakers have not raised prices so far, according to Matías Pomar of Forn de can Pomar. But he said they would have no choice if the situation continues.

Abtecir, the association for energy, air-conditioning and refrigeration technicians, has also reported higher quotes for solar-panel installations. It pointed to increased electricity tariffs affecting both households and businesses as one reason.

Topics: Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com