The Hindu : Front Page : Fishing industry hit by diesel scarcity in Ramnad

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Sunday, Jan 11, 2009
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Fishing industry hit by diesel scarcity in Ramnad

Special Correspondent

RAMANATHAPURAM: The fishing industry has almost come to a standstill following the scarcity of diesel.

Fishermen of mechanised trawlers and motorised country boats totally depend upon diesel particularly subsidised fuel being supplied by the State government. Though the diesel and petrol scarcity has been felt throughout the district, it is acute in coastal and remote areas.

There are eight petrol bunks, including two run by the Fisheries Department for supplying subsidised diesel to fishermen. However, all bunks have been closed temporarily due to the non arrival of fuel loads Almost all 700 licensed trawlers operating from Rameswaram didn’t not go for fishing.

The Assistant Director of Fisheries, Rameswaram, Panneerselvam told The Hindu that the sale of subsidised diesel had been stopped temporarily following poor stock position. Steps were taken to bring diesel loads. However, the situation would return normal in the next few days. There were reports that mechanised boats from Kilakarai, Erwadi, Thondi and Mandapam kept off from the sea due to diesel shortage.

Meanwhile, a few petrol bunks in the district have resumed their operation on Saturday. However, confusion prevailed in most of the bunks due to the surging crowd. Policemen were posted in petrol bunks to regulate customers.

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