THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the price of kerosene rising to Rs 124 per litre in the market, the fisheries sector has been affected the most. The current price is Rs 92.96. The subsidised kerosene for a boat with a permit per month is 110 litres. This usually lasts for a week. The rest is bought by the fishermen from the common market. Workers complain that the sharp rise in prices in the market will make fishing more expensive.

The new price will come into effect from tomorrow onwards with the arrival of new stock. At present, fishermen get subsidized kerosene at Rs 52.75. The subsidy is Rs 25. The hike in kerosene prices in ration shop will also increase subsidy rate of kerosene rate for fishermen.

The Central Government should give kerosene to the traditional fishermen at lower rates as and when required, said Saji Cherian, Minister of Fisheries.

Kerosene sold commercially in the market is colorless. Blue color is for ration shops. This is to prevent them from reaching the black market.