Thailand's Fishing Industry Halted by Rising Diesel Prices

It's March 26th.

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Rising diesel prices from the Middle East conflict are bringing Thailand's massive

fishing industry to a screeching halt.

Fishermen at the biggest port in Samut Sakone say over half the trawlers are already tied

up, and the rest could stop any day now without government.

Help.

The jump after subsidies ended, hitting 38-bottom 94-satangs per liter, or about $1.19, up

from 29-bottom.

94 just last month.

That's making long trips impossible for many boats.

Fishermen are feeling the squeeze hard, cutting speeds to save fuel, but hauling in smaller

catches of shrimp, mackerel, and squid.

Crews worry they won't cover family costs after April 1st, calling this the worst crunch

in decades, even tougher than the pandemic.

The industry pumps out $7 billion in exports, yearly to places like the US, Japan, and China,

with 800 tons sold daily at that, key market alone.

The government is stepping up with a support plan, including cheaper B-20 biodiesel and

palm oil supplies to ease the pain and keep boats afloat, as prices hover near the breaking

point of 40-bottom per liter.