Mangaluru: Speaker U T Khader orders uninterrupted diesel, LPG supply for fishing boats

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 2, 2026: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader has directed officials and oil companies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of diesel and LPG cylinders to fishing boats operating from the local fishing harbour.

Chairing a meeting with fishing organisations, boat owners, oil company representatives and senior officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on April 1, Khader stressed that the fishing industry must not face disruptions due to fuel shortages.

He instructed the Director of Fisheries to urgently issue the required code numbers to reopen the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) diesel outlet at the Old Port. Emphasising the need for consistency, he said diesel supply must be maintained without interruption to avoid affecting fishing activities.

During the meeting, Mangaluru Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association president Chetan Bengre highlighted that the ongoing Middle East crisis has severely impacted diesel availability, causing distress to the sector. He urged the government to compensate fishermen for losses caused by the sharp rise in fuel prices.

Responding to concerns over LPG supply, oil company representatives said that, as per Union government guidelines, 20% of LPG distribution is reserved for priority sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions, Indira Canteens and fisheries. They assured that fishermen would receive cylinders on a priority basis.

Khader further directed that at least 130 to 150 LPG cylinders be made available to fishermen for cooking needs at sea, and that the KFDC ensure each boat departing from the Bunder fishing wharf is provided with at least one cylinder.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. instructed fisheries officials to coordinate with oil companies to secure a dedicated quota of 130 to 150 cylinders for the fishing sector from the district’s allocation.

The Managing Director of KFDC informed that the corporation already has a diesel distribution agency in place. Once the official code number is issued, the department will obtain the diesel quota and begin distribution to fishermen without delay.