Keyolhun's Lobby Demands FSM Hand Over Fuel Supply if Unable to Meet Fishing Vessels' Needs

The Keyolhun's Lobby has called for the closure of the Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) shed at Kooddoo Fisheries Complex (KFC) if it cannot adequately supply diesel to fishing vessels.

The President of Keyolhun's Lobby, Shafga Shafeeg (Keyolhage Dhiye), stated that fuel supply from the Kooddoo shed had been halted since yesterday and only resumed this evening, which she said is completely unacceptable.

"Today, 11 vessels had to return without fuel after weighing their catch at Kooddoo. If FSM cannot immediately supply enough diesel for the fishing vessels, they should stop the service and hand it over to someone who can!" Shafga stated.

Shafga noted that this is not an isolated issue occurring just yesterday or today. She highlighted that FSM's stock runs out from time to time, causing significant hardship for fishermen unable to refuel their vessels. She emphasized that this is not how things should operate, adding that since the government subsidy for fishermen is also issued to the company, FSM must provide the service consistently.

"The government subsidy for fishermen is also going to FSM. Therefore, better arrangements need to be made. Running out of stock is not something the fishermen should bear responsibility for. Previously, they withheld fuel for days claiming MIFCO hadn't paid the bills. These are state-owned companies. Both companies need to cooperate and organize things in a way that fishermen don't have to bear this burden," Shafga said.

Shafga stated that since MIFCO is the Maldivian fisheries company, the best approach would be to establish a comprehensive system within the company to provide all necessary services to fishermen. She added that the time has come to give MIFCO the opportunity to arrange fuel for fishermen without relying on STO or FSM.

"MIFCO was previously a subsidiary of STO. Even after making MIFCO a separate company, it hasn't been freed from STO. STO sells fuel to MIFCO at high prices. And the fishermen's subsidy also goes to STO. That's why I'm saying... if MIFCO imports and sells diesel itself, it would be much more beneficial for both MIFCO and the fishermen. For sure. MIFCO would know the number of vessels coming to weigh fish, and based on the average, MIFCO would know how to maintain the stock. MIFCO should be granted permission to import fuel. This is the solution," Shafga said.

KFC is a center established in the main pole-and-line fishing region. In addition to vessels from that area, many vessels from across the Maldives go to Kooddoo to weigh fish and purchase fuel, ice, and water. MIFCO's management is making significant efforts to ensure these services are easily accessible.