The constant rise in fuel prices has caused up to 55 percent of 99,000 fishing boats throughout Vietnam to stay ashore to avoid losses, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is calling for financial supports for fishermen. Fuel has become a so huge expense that many fishermen in the country are having trouble making a living. Gasoline and oil demand for fishing activities averages out at 330 million liters per month, according to the agriculture ministry, while the price of diesel 0.05S, the main fuel for fishing vessels, has spiked by 65 percent, or VND11,441 (US$0.49) per litter, since December 2021. In total, fuel costs needed to maintain normal fishing activities have skyrocketed by about VND3.776 trillion ($162.4 million) a month. While fuel costs usually account for 45-60 percent of fishing expenses, the other costs have also increased by 10-15 percent, raising the total expenses by 35-48 percent on average. Meanwhile, the increase in … [Read more...] about Vietnam agriculture ministry urges aid for fishermen as rising fuel prices keep them ashore