Raising alarm over mounting distress in Maharashtra’s coastal economy, MP Varsha Eknath Gaikwad has written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking immediate removal of the “bulk consumer” classification for fisheries cooperative societies.
In her letter, Gaikwad highlighted that while retail diesel is priced around Rs 90 per litre, fishing cooperatives are forced to pay nearly Rs 112 per litre under the bulk category, creating a steep Rs 22 per litre gap.
She termed the disparity an “existential threat” to over 3.6 lakh fishermen across districts such as Mumbai, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
Citing representations from All India Fishermen Congress, she warned that continued high fuel costs could cripple traditional fishing operations, impacting livelihoods and food security.
Gaikwad has demanded reclassification of fisheries co-ops to retail, a price parity mechanism, and recognition of fishermen as agricultural stakeholders. She urged swift policy action, noting the issue has remained unresolved since 2022 despite repeated appeals.
