Puducherry CM Rangasamy Seeks Urgent Relief for Fishermen Over Rising Diesel Costs

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has petitioned the Union Petroleum Ministry to restore subsidized diesel access for the state’s fishing cooperative, citing severe threats to the livelihoods of thousands.

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has made an urgent appeal to Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, requesting the continuation of a special pricing arrangement that allows the local fishing industry to procure fuel at retail rates. The intervention comes as the fishing community across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam struggles with a widening gap between bulk consumer diesel rates and standard retail prices, a disparity that has significantly inflated operational costs just as the annual fishing ban concludes.

A Vital Lifeline for the Fishery Sector

The Puducherry State Fishermen Cooperative Federation manages dedicated fuel outlets at Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour and Savithri Nagar. These facilities, which are not commercial retail establishments, serve as a critical infrastructure point for approximately 450 mechanised fishing vessels. Annually, these outlets distribute roughly 50 lakh litres of diesel, supporting the livelihoods of over one lakh residents who rely on the sector.

Previously, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) facilitated a special agreement that ensured these cooperative outlets received diesel at prices equivalent to those at public retail pumps. This arrangement remained in force until March, providing a essential buffer against the high costs of maritime operations. With that support now lapsed, the current price differential has rendered many fishing expeditions economically non-viable.

Economic Pressures and Fuel Demand

The request from the Puducherry CM comes during a broader period of sensitivity in the Indian fuel market. Recently, the Petroleum Ministry has engaged with various states and Union Territories to monitor fuel supplies amid reports of localized constraints. According to ministry officials, the demand for diesel has spiked in certain pockets, partly because bulk consumers have shifted to retail outlets to take advantage of lower prices. While the Centre has maintained that total fuel stocks are adequate, the shift has placed immense pressure on existing retail networks, complicating the landscape for cooperative bodies like those in Puducherry that operate on thin margins.

Beyond Fuel: Regional Concerns

In addition to his plea regarding fuel, Chief Minister Rangasamy—who is currently serving his fifth term as the head of the Union Territory—has also reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This second communication highlights the ongoing plight of the region's fishing community at an international level, specifically regarding the detention of local fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Of seven individuals apprehended in April, one fisherman from the T.R. Pattinam region in Karaikal remains in custody, adding further distress to the coastal families already grappling with the rising costs of their trade.

Seeking a Path Forward

The Puducherry government is advocating for a dual-track solution: either the restoration of the previous retail-rate supply agreement or the implementation of a specific subsidy mechanism designed for registered fishing vessels. As mechanised boats return to sea, the Chief Minister’s office has emphasized that affordable fuel is not merely a commercial request but a prerequisite for protecting the socio-economic stability of the fishing industry. The administration continues to monitor fuel availability locally to ensure no further supply disruptions affect these essential services.