No Decision Yet on Extending Fuel Subsidy for Fishermen, Says Deputy Minister

23-Jun-2026

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Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ratna Gamage has stated that neither the Fisheries Ministry nor the government has held any official discussions on extending the fuel subsidy scheme currently provided to fishermen.

The subsidy programme, introduced from May to July to provide relief to sectors affected by the Middle East crisis, is due to conclude next month.

Speaking on the matter, the Deputy Minister said the fuel relief scheme was introduced on May 20 through direct financial allocations to support the fisheries sector amid the prevailing tensions in the Middle East.

Under the scheme, a subsidy of Rs. 100 per litre is provided for ordinary diesel and Rs. 20 per litre for petrol. However, super diesel and super petrol continue to be sold at market prices.

An additional subsidy of Rs. 50 per litre was granted to one-day fishing boats engaged in coastal fishing operations that use kerosene.

According to Fisheries Department data, around 37,500 registered one-day fishing boats across the country qualified for this additional subsidy.

Boat owners received assistance for up to 25 litres per day for 25 days a month, amounting to a maximum monthly benefit of Rs. 31,250 over the three-month period.

In addition, a one-time payment of Rs. 150,000 was provided to each of the 5,500 registered deep-sea fishing vessels.

The Deputy Minister dismissed reports claiming that the scheme would end by the end of June, stating that adequate funds have been allocated to ensure uninterrupted implementation throughout May, June and July.

He added that future decisions would depend on global fuel price movements after the temporary three-month relief period concludes.