Gandhinagar: In a decision aimed at protecting the economic interests of fishermen in Gujarat, the increase in diesel prices for fishing boats has been withdrawn following a representation by the state government to the Centre. Fishermen will now continue to receive diesel at the previously fixed concessional rate.

According to official information, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) had recently increased the price of diesel supplied to fishing boats by ₹22.43 per litre, which had raised concern among fishermen and fisheries organisations across the coastal districts of the state.

The Gujarat Fisheries Confederation (GFCCA) had earlier finalised a tender process with BPCL to supply diesel to fishermen at a subsidised rate. However, after the price revision by the oil company, ministers, MLAs, local leaders, and representatives of various fisheries organisations submitted representations to the state government seeking immediate relief.

Taking the matter seriously, Fisheries Minister Jitu Vaghani made a representation to the Central Government requesting intervention in the issue.

The state government urged the Centre to treat the fisheries sector as a special category and extend relief similar to the exemption given to the State Road Transport Corporation. The minister also requested that fishermen be treated at par with retail consumers instead of being placed under the consumer segment for fuel pricing.

Following the representation, the Central Government accepted the request and directed BPCL to withdraw the ₹22.43 per litre increase in the diesel price for fishing boats. With this decision, fishermen in Gujarat will continue to receive diesel at the earlier concessional rate.

Fisheries Minister Jitu Vaghani thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for taking a prompt decision in the interest of fishermen.

He said the state government remains committed to the welfare of fishermen and will continue to take necessary steps to safeguard their livelihood. DeshGujarat