Fuel Costs Ground Adriatic Fishermen

On the Dubrovnik coast, boats remain in harbour even as the season approaches and the sea is full of fish. Fishermen are suspending work because of soaring fuel prices following the outbreak of the conflict in Iran, which has disrupted key oil routes.

Captain Dinko Cvjetojevic said fuel costs now account for up to 90% of operating expenses, roughly double the pre-conflict level. Fishing, he said, had become "completely unprofitable".

"As you can see today, it’s a beautiful day, but the ships are moored", he told Reuters. He added that he was managing only because of fuel stocks bought before prices rose.

Although commercial fishing is a relatively small industry, it employs thousands of people along the Adriatic coast and supplies hotels and restaurants during the tourist season. Tourism accounts for around a fifth of the Croatian economy.

Cvjetojevic has scaled back operations and now sells only on the local market. "Without state help, I see no solution", he said.

(reuters, bak)