Kerosene costlier than petrol: Karnataka fishermen switches fuel, but 95% of boats still out of water

Traditional fishermen along Karnataka’s coast are increasingly struggling to keep their boats running as rising fuel costs make fishing trips financially unviable, with a large number of operators reportedly suspending operations, as per a TOI report. The sharp rise in kerosene prices, coupled with the expense of switching to petrol engines, has left many nadadoni fishermen with limited options, while declining fish availability has added to their difficulties.

Kerosene currently costs around Rs 118 per litre, compared with approximately Rs 110 for petrol. Although petrol is cheaper, converting existing kerosene-powered boats involves additional expenditure, and the cost of operating them on petrol continues to weigh on fishermen.

Ashwath, president of the Karavali Mula Meenugarara Sangha, told TOI that several nadadoni operators in Dakshina Kannada had already switched from kerosene to petrol engines. However, he said the change had not eased their financial difficulties significantly, as the initial conversion costs and continuing fuel expenses remained high.


The rising cost of fuel has also forced fishermen to reduce the distance they travel in search of catches. With fish availability declining, longer journeys into the sea are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to justify. Ashwath estimated that around 90% to 95% of boats in the area had stopped operating, while only a small number continued fishing close to the shore.

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Kerosene shortage and petrol costs hit nadadoni fishing in Uttara Kannada

The financial strain is also affecting traditional fishing communities in Uttara Kannada. Somanath Moger, former secretary of the Nadadoni Fishermen Association of Uttara Kannada, said nearly 30% of traditional nadadoni operators in Bhatkal had converted their boats to petrol engines despite the additional costs.

Deep-sea fishing using nadadoni boats had declined by nearly 50% as rising kerosene prices made longer trips increasingly difficult, he said. With the occupation becoming less sustainable, some fishermen were considering moving into other businesses.

Moger said subsidies or financial assistance for petrol and kerosene could help reduce operating costs and allow fishermen to continue their traditional occupation.

In Karwar, too, some operators have started shifting to petrol engines as kerosene has become difficult to obtain. Boat operator Paresh Majalikar said the change was being driven by the limited availability of kerosene for several fishermen.

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Fishermen seek clarity on fuel subsidies and safety

Despite the shift towards petrol, fishermen's associations have called for a clear government policy before kerosene is phased out completely.

Yashvant Gangoli, secretary of the Karnataka Rajya Nadadoni Meenugarara Sangha, said fishermen would not abandon kerosene until the government ensured that alternative fuel arrangements were financially and operationally viable.

The association has sought clarity on three key issues: the subsidy that would be offered on petrol, the safety of using the alternative fuel in fishing boats, and the system through which fishermen would receive the fuel. Gangoli said the association had already submitted a memorandum to the state government seeking answers on these concerns.

The Centre discontinued the supply of non-PDS kerosene to fishermen four years ago. Following the move, Karnataka shifted to industrial kerosene and introduced an incentive of Rs 35 per litre. However, fishermen continue to face difficulties over fuel costs and availability, adding to the pressure on traditional boat operators.