Fishing boats worldwide tuck dockside as diesel prices surge on Iran war
Fishing boats around the world are spending more time docked due to rising diesel prices linked to the ongoing war in Iran. Fishermen are adjusting their schedules to conserve fuel, which is significantly impacting their profitability. The situation poses a potential threat to the global food system as higher fuel costs may lead to reduced seafood catches and increased prices.
- ▪The average price of diesel has surged to $5.65 per gallon, up from $3.55 a year ago.
- ▪Fishermen are reducing the frequency of their trips to conserve fuel, affecting their catch and profitability.
- ▪The U.S. shrimp industry has seen a 50% decline in value between 2021 and 2023, exacerbated by rising fuel costs.
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Fishing boats worldwide tuck dockside as diesel prices surge on Iran warSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 21, 2026, 07:04 PMUpdated May 21, 2026, 07:04 PMKENNEBUNK, Maine, May 21 - Captain Chris Welch of Kennebunk, Maine, is catching fewer lobsters this spring because spiking diesel prices have made it too costly to take out his fishing boat as often as he normally would.Instead of checking and re-baiting his traps every four or five days to collect the valuable crustaceans, he's doing so every seven to 10 days to conserve fuel."It cuts into your profitability at the end of the day," Welch said after fueling his vessel, Quality Time, on a rainy day at Kennebunk's harbor.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.