Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Tuesday announced that it is considering a threefold increase in diesel and kerosene assistance for fishermen operating outboard motor (OBM) boats, raising the allotment from 150 litres to 450 litres for the current year.

The announcement was made after Fisheries Minister Raghavji Patel met with representatives of the fishing community in Gandhinagar, where several of their concerns were addressed. Among these, the fishermen had specifically requested an increase in fuel assistance.

Responding to the demand, the Minister stated that the state government will soon increase the monthly assistance to 450 litres for all OBM boats. The matter is under consideration, and a final decision will be taken shortly.

Fishermen leaders had also urged the Minister to allow OBM boats to operate during the fishing ban (closed) season. On this matter, Minister Raghavji Patel clearly stated that the state government issues a circular banning fishing during the fish breeding season. Fishing during this period could disrupt breeding activities and reduce the state’s overall fish production. Therefore, he appealed to all fishermen in the state to adhere to the government’s circular during the closed season. DeshGujarat