Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Keralam’s traditional fishermen face rising kerosene costs and shortages
Traditional fishermen in Keralam are struggling with kerosene shortages as they prepare their boats for fishing.
One fisherman says the price rose from about ₹103 to ₹157 a litre in six months.
Subsidised supplies through Matsyafed are not enough to meet their fuel needs, so some fishermen buy the rest from retailers at higher prices or through informal arrangements.
The Union government’s annual kerosene allocation for Keralam fell from 37,056 kilolitres in 2020-21 to 1,854 kilolitres in 2025-26.
The Centre has reduced and restricted kerosene allocations, while the State still sets aside some of its available supply for fishing.
Fishermen also say they must travel farther to find fish, adding to their fuel bills as catches decline.
Shortages and higher costs add pressure to livelihoods already affected by uncertain weather and fish availability.
Traditional fishermen in Keralam face rising kerosene costs and shortages that add to the expense of going to sea.
Fisherman Muthappan K.J. says kerosene prices rose from about ₹103 to ₹157 a litre in six months.
Subsidised supplies through Matsyafed outlets are insufficient, forcing fishermen to buy some fuel from retailers at higher prices.
The Union government’s allocation of kerosene to Keralam has fallen sharply in recent years.
Fishermen also say changing fishing patterns are making them travel farther to find catches.
- Who
- Traditional fishermen in Keralam, including Muthappan K.J. of Chowara and Johnny of Vizhinjam.
- What
- They face kerosene shortages and rising prices, increasing the cost of fishing.
- When
- The article was published on October 16, 2026. Muthappan says prices rose over the preceding six months.
- Where
- Keralam, including the Vizhinjam fishing harbour in Thiruvananthapuram district.
- Why
- Subsidised supplies are insufficient and the Union government’s allocation has declined. Fishermen also travel farther to find fish.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Keralam’s annual kerosene allocation was 37,056 kilolitres.
The annual allocation fell to 25,920 kilolitres.
The annual allocation fell to 15,552 kilolitres.
The annual allocation fell to 7,776 kilolitres.
The annual allocation fell to 3,120 kilolitres.
The annual allocation fell to 1,854 kilolitres.
- Price change
- About ₹103 to ₹157 a litre within six months
- Allocation in 2020-21
- 37,056 kilolitres
- Allocation in 2025-26
- 1,854 kilolitres
- Fishing harbour
- Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram district, Keralam
- Subsidised fuel supplier
- Matsyafed
What people are saying
Kerosene prices have climbed from around ₹103 to ₹157 a litre within six months. With the subsidised supplies available through Matsyafed outlets, the government-run cooperative, insufficient to meet our fuel needs, we are forced to procure the balance from retailers at higher rates
The Centre’s allocation is now intended primarily for distribution through ration shops. However, the State government continues to earmark a portion of available quantity for fishing activities, considering the dependence of traditional fisherfolk on kerosene