Fishing industry hit as diesel supplies run short

Numerous fishing vessels in the coastal waters of Songkhla and Samut Songkhram are no longer setting out to sea as subsidised diesel becomes increasingly unaffordable.

The Thai Fisheries Association warns that more than half of the country’s 9,000 fishing boats may have to remain in port due to shortages and rising prices of excise tax-discounted “green” diesel used by fishermen.

Diesel specially allocated for fishing vessels is officially priced at 20 baht per litre, compared with the standard pump price of about 30 baht.

However, many boat owners say the price in Samut Songkhram and Songkhla has surged to as high as 34 baht per litre, making it unaffordable.

They say that a pair of trawlers requires about 1,200 litres of fuel per day, and each fishing trip typically lasts around 12 days. This means each pair of vessels needs approximately 15,000 litres of fuel per trip.

Sinchai Sathirayakorn, president of the Association of Paired Trawlers in Samut Songkhram, said there are about 400 trawler pairs in the province, with fuel accounting for roughly 80% of operating costs.

With the price of green diesel rising from 20 baht to 34 baht per litre, he noted that many trawler owners are struggling to justify the cost of going to sea.

Meanwhile, seafood prices have reportedly increased by 20 to 100 baht per kilogram due to reduced catches.

Chanon Attanart, vice president of the Songkhla Fisheries Association, said the Thai Fisheries Association is seeking urgent government assistance.

At the same time, petrol stations in several provinces have shortened their operating hours after running out of fuel, largely due to a surge in demand from motorists fearing shortages and higher prices.

In Maha Sarakham province, for example, filling stations along the bypass have been closing by early evening after running out of fuel.

One motorist in Nong Bua Lamphu said he had to stop at seven petrol stations before finding one with enough fuel.

In Chainat province, petrol stations are rationing fuel, limiting purchases to 500 baht for general vehicles and 1,000 baht for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

In Betong district, near the Malaysian border, many motorists have crossed into Malaysia to refuel due to greater availability and lower prices.

However, Malaysian authorities have capped purchases at 290 baht worth of fuel per Thai-registered vehicle.

Petrol prices in Malaysia are about 27 baht per litre, compared to 40.18 baht in Betong, while diesel costs around 32 baht per litre in Malaysia, compared to 30.48 baht in Betong.