Panaji: With high-speed diesel (HSD) prices for bulk consumers crossing Rs 140 per litre amid international crude volatility, the Goa Fishing Boat Owners’ Association (GFBOA) raised concerns on Tuesday.A delegation submitted a representation to fisheries minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, fisheries secretary Prasanna Acharya, and fisheries director Shamila Monteiro.The representation submitted by GFBOA president, Jose Philip D’souza, stated that oil companies have halted diesel supply to fishing vessels, contradicting district magistrate circulars instructing authorised retail petroleum outlets to supply HSD during rationing phases.The letter also detailed operational bottlenecks at the fishing jetties and deteriorating infrastructure affecting the fishing season approaching in Oct.The demands include a permanent concrete piled jetty at Vasco, a 40m extension of the existing temporary facility, road repairs, completion of the stalled Sulabh toilet project, high-mast lights, and a dedicated slipway and net-mending shed. The group also sought immediate repairs to a retaining wall damaged during the monsoon.Halarnkar told TOI that the state remains committed to offering administrative and security support at jetties.With an estimated 75% to 80% of the fishing fleet currently struggling along on skeleton crews, a coalition of boat owners’ associations and labour representatives met Acharya on Tuesday to overhaul local labour agreements, rethink compensation models, and revive the fishing industry.“More boat owners’ associations are expected to submit their grievances in the coming days,” D’souza said.
