VietNamNet Bridge – The local authorities in southern Binh Phuoc Province launched inspections to prevent petrol station operators speculating in fuel, following shortages over the long weekend.

The move was made following information that petrol stations had closed or refused to sell petrol in the belief that fuel shortages would lead to a price rise.

Inspections of three large petrol stations showed that the supply shortage had been caused by power blackouts and high transport costs during the long weekend.

The department said the fuel shortage at large stations made smaller ones believe the price would increase, resulting in speculation.

* High fuel costs leave fishing boats idle on southern coast

Many fishing boats in the southern province of Kien Giang are idle because of high fuel costs.

Dinh Ngoc Thuan, owner of five fishing vessels in Rach Gia City, said one of his fishing boats was standing idle on shore almost a month ago, while other boats were still going out to fish at sea.

However, for fear of losses, they have cut back on fishing trips.

Le Van Hai, another fishing boat owner in Rach Gia City, said diesel fuel had increased by VND6,300 per litre, causing the cost of a fishing trip to go up by 40 per cent, while the selling price of seafood had increased by only 10 per cent.

In addition, the prices of food, water and other necessary items had also surged, so they had to pay an additional VND20,000 to buy utensils for 20 fishermen on board during the sea voyage.

Phan Thi My, a wholesale fish store owner in Tac Rang fishing port, said the output of fish caught at sea in April fell by more than 30 per cent over the same period last year.

Her store has been receiving about 20 tonnes of different kinds of fish a day on average, compared to more than 30 tonnes a day in previous months.

The price of seafood items this month increased by 5-10 per cent over last month, My added.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to work with agencies to quickly implement the Government's policy of supporting owners of offshore fishing vessels, including providing fuel subsidies and preferential loans.

She also suggested the Government continue to exempt fishermen from business and corporate income taxes this year.

Fishermen are encountering many difficulties because of the high fuel costs and bank loan interest rates as well as a lower catches. They need support from the Government.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has visited the province to evaluate the effects on fishermen caused by the petrol price hike.

The province has the highest number of 11,990 fishing boats nationwide, mostly offshore fishing boats.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News