📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Anton Gutmann
Agriculture
Karnataka Fishermen Switch to Petrol as Kerosene Prices Soar
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 04:39 PM
👁 2
Rising kerosene costs are forcing Karnataka fishermen to switch to petrol, yet 95% of their boats remain out of water due to financial constraints.
Fishermen in Karnataka are facing a significant economic challenge as the cost of kerosene has surpassed that of petrol. This price inversion has compelled many in the fishing community to switch their fuel preference to petrol to maintain operational viability.
Despite this shift in fuel strategy, the sector remains severely impacted. Reports indicate that 95% of the boats in the region are currently out of water, highlighting the depth of the financial distress among local fishermen.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of the fishing industry to fuel price fluctuations. With the majority of the fleet idle, the livelihoods of thousands of families in coastal Karnataka are under threat, prompting calls for immediate intervention to address the rising input costs.
Despite this shift in fuel strategy, the sector remains severely impacted. Reports indicate that 95% of the boats in the region are currently out of water, highlighting the depth of the financial distress among local fishermen.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of the fishing industry to fuel price fluctuations. With the majority of the fleet idle, the livelihoods of thousands of families in coastal Karnataka are under threat, prompting calls for immediate intervention to address the rising input costs.