In France, fishermen block ports and fuel depot over rising fuel prices

French fishermen have begun blocking ports and fuel infrastructure on the Mediterranean coast due to a sharp increase in diesel fuel prices, which has significantly increased the industry's costs. Amid the protests, the government decided to strengthen fuel support for the fishing business.

One of the largest actions was the blockade of the fuel terminal in Frontignan in the Hérault department on September 16. According to TF1 Info, about a hundred workers from the fishing industry from various cities of the Mediterranean coast joined it. This facility is important for fuel supply to the Occitanie region.

Before that, protests took place in Sète and Fos-sur-Mer. In Sète, fishing vessels blocked the port and impeded ferry operations. Fishermen state that at the current fuel cost, going to sea for some vessels becomes economically unprofitable.

According to TF1 Info calculations, professional diesel for fishing vessels cost about 0.65 euros per liter in the spring, while in September its price regularly exceeds 1 euro. In addition to fuel costs, industry representatives complain about reduced fishing opportunities and increasing regulatory burden.

Amid the protests, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu ordered the extension until December 31 of targeted support measures for sectors most affected by the fuel price increase. For fishing enterprises, aid is planned to be increased from 25 to 35 euro cents per liter of fuel. The government explains the decision by the need to protect economic activity, jobs and production from a new energy shock.

On September 17, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Catherine Chabaud invited representatives of the Mediterranean fishing industry to negotiations. The officially stated topic of the meeting is the situation in the sector, possible solutions and state support for fishermen in connection with the rising cost of fuel.

The protests of French fishermen have become one of the most visible consequences of the new rise in energy prices for business: fuel constitutes a significant part of the operating costs of industrial fishing, so rapid price increases directly affect the profitability of vessels going to sea.

Based on materials from: TF1 Info, RTL, Ministry of Ecological Transition of France