U T Khader Directs Uninterrupted Fuel Supply for Fishing Boats in Mangaluru
Speaker orders steady diesel and LPG availability to prevent disruption in fishing activities
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader has instructed officials and oil companies to ensure a continuous supply of diesel and LPG cylinders for fishing boats operating from the harbour in Mangaluru.
The directive was issued during a meeting held on April 1 at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The meeting was attended by fishing organisations, boat owners, representatives of oil companies, and senior government officials. Khader emphasised that fuel shortages must not disrupt the fishing industry, which supports thousands of livelihoods in the coastal region.
He directed the Director of Fisheries to immediately issue the necessary code numbers to restart diesel supply through the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation at the Old Port. He stressed that fuel availability must remain consistent so that fishing operations continue without interruption.
During the discussion, Chetan Bengre, president of the Mangaluru Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association, pointed out that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has affected diesel supply, creating difficulties for fishermen. He also appealed for compensation to offset losses caused by rising fuel prices.
Addressing concerns over LPG supply, oil company representatives explained that 20 percent of LPG distribution is reserved for priority sectors under Union government guidelines. These include hospitals, educational institutions, Indira Canteens, and fisheries. They assured that fishermen would be given priority access to cylinders.
Khader further directed that between 130 and 150 LPG cylinders be made available for fishing crews to meet cooking needs while at sea. He also instructed the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation to ensure that each boat leaving the Bunder fishing wharf is provided with at least one cylinder.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H. V. asked fisheries officials to work closely with oil companies to secure a dedicated quota of LPG cylinders for the sector.
Officials from the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation stated that a diesel distribution system is already in place. They added that once the required code number is issued, the diesel quota will be obtained and supply to fishermen will begin without delay.
