Prices in the fishing sector have shown daily volatility, with some voices calling any price above 60 cents per liter completely unacceptable. This perspective comes from Basilio Otero, president of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds (FNCP). The federation tracks fuel costs by monitoring refueling among fleets and compiling weekly warehouse data from ports across the peninsula. Since March, essentially from the start of the broader conflict in Ukraine, and continuing into early June, the average price for fishing diesel hovered around 0.86 euros per liter. This level surpasses the threshold the industry considers necessary for profitable operations, even after government subsidies. Otero remarked that the available 20-cent advance support is insufficient and questioned whether it will extend beyond June 30, prompting the federation to pursue joint purchasing arrangements to curb rising costs. Currently, they are aggregating average monthly consumption data from partners to present a proposal to Repsol, the oil company they have engaged so far.
From the onset of the war in Ukraine on February 24 and the ensuing sanctions against Russia, energy costs and raw material prices have surged for the fishing industry. Fuel emerges as the most challenging cost component. Fishing kerosene has surpassed one euro per liter, a level that threatens profitability and complicates fleet operations across the sector.
José Antonio Pérez, president of the Brotherhood Federation of Galicia, noted that this sharp rise forces shipowners to seek cheaper options, a prudent stance given the circumstances.
In response, the government introduced a 20-cent-per-liter subsidy for all citizens, a measure that was extended to the fleets as well. Yet, as prices continue to climb, the discount loses its bite. Pérez, head of the Galician Brotherhood Federation, summarized the situation: the subsidy no longer yields meaningful relief amid persistent price surges.
Two months later, the Spanish fraternal groups took stock and concluded that the subsidy did not extend to refueling at foreign ports near fishing zones. Their assessment pointed to the need to address the diesel pricing problem before it worsens. The FNCP published weekly data showing maximum, minimum, and average prices from its members, which, in sum, indicate an average of 0.86 euros per liter. Otero warned that without further assistance the industry would face severe financial strain if the current trend continued.
“Anything over 60 cents a liter is absolutely nonsense,” reiterated Basilio Otero, the FNCP chairman.
In light of these pressures, the FNCP proposed a bold move: the initiation of a joint diesel purchase program negotiated with a major oil company to secure better pricing. The federation justified the plan by pointing out a wide gap between the most expensive and the cheapest suppliers within Spain. The idea received cautious endorsement from federation leadership as a way to reduce overall costs for shipowners.
The plan has moved forward with conversations with Repsol and, in parallel, attempts at engaging Cepsa. The Galician federation head affirmed that the measure is sensible because it directly lowers costs. Pérez, who also manages the Ribeira warehouse, noted the logistical challenge of aligning purse seines, Gran Sol trawlers, and shore-based vessels given the diverse fleet lineup. Even so, the federation remains confident that scale advantages can yield meaningful savings.
Otero, who also chairs the Burela fraternity, believes the initiative will endure and expects multi-million liter monthly participation. He suggested the program could attract sustained interest from oil suppliers, creating a steady demand signal that could further stabilize prices for the fleets.