Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader has said that from September, traditional fishermen can purchase white kerosene from the open market and submit the bill to the government to get the subsidy reimbursed into their bank account.
Talking to reporters here on Friday, Mr. Khader said the State government had been providing 228 litres of kerosene per month to each traditional fishing boat at a subsidised price of ₹25 per litre. There are 1,202 motorised fishing boats [fitted with outboard engine] in Mangaluru.
Mr. Khader said fishermen can directly purchase kerosene from the open market at ₹62 per litre from September onwards. The bill for purchase of kerosene may be submitted to the Food and Civil Supplies Department, which will remit the difference amount of ₹37 per litre.
During the 61-day fishing holiday between June 1 and July 31, fishing boats up to 10 HP outboard engine can venture into the sea while boats with higher capacity engine are prohibited from indulging in fishing activity.
Mr. Khader said the State government has earmarked ₹60 crore per year towards subsidy for kerosene sold to fishermen.
