Fishermen in Trinidad and Tobago are asking Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein to send officers to fishing ports across the country to explain how they can access rebates on fuel.
Rebates are offered to registered fishermen for diesel, gasoline and oil to ease the financial burden caused by increases in fuel prices.
Haniff Mohammed said the price of kerosene has doubled since last year.
“The Ministry spoke about offering a rebate for fuel but that was never made official to us. Now we are hearing that registered fishermen could qualify for a rebate. We want to know why this was never communicated directly with us. The Government should come to the ports and let us know how we can access these rebates,” he said.
“Right now 50 per cent of the fishermen from Otaheite, which is about 70 boatmen, use kerosene.”
Premium gas is priced at $7.75 per litre, Super costs $6.97 per litre, diesel $4.41 per litre and kerosene $4.50 per litre.
Mohammed said the Fisheries Division should visit fishing ports to find out what is going on with fisherfolk. He claimed people were leaving the fishing industry in droves because they can no longer afford to fish.
Another boat owner, Ketama Henry, said he did not know he qualified for a fuel rebate.
“This is something we have been calling for and I was shocked to hear that we can apply for a rebate. People here spend plenty of money on fuel. To go out at sea you have to put out between $800 to $1,500,” he said.
Roopchand Hitram said many fishermen needed help filling out forms.