High Diesel Costs Ground Thai Fishing Fleet

Diesel prices in Thailand have risen above 50 baht per litre, approximately 1 USD 27, nearly doubling costs from the start of the year. Reportedly half of Thailand's fishing fleet of 9,000 vessels have remained in ports since March. Each fishing trip can consume up to 1,000 litres of fuel. Larger trawlers often travel hundreds of kilometres offshore for weeks at a time. Approximately half of Thailand's 9,000-vessel fishing fleet has remained in port since March. Fishery is a multi-billion dollar industry in the country, with government data indicating around 7 billion US dollars worth of seafood products are exported worldwide. Fishermen report difficulty managing costs as oil prices remain high while product prices remain low. The grounding is linked to fuel costs and challenges including labor laws, pollution, and overfishing. High diesel prices have caused many fishing vessels to remain docked because revenues are insufficient to cover operating costs. Captain Nguyen Van Do of the vessel Quy No 90618 reported that 1,100 fishing boats are currently active. The shortage of funds to depart for sea is impacting the fleet's operations, according to the source.