The Spanish Government has extended the subsidy of 20 cents per litre for diesel fuel used in fishing until 31 December 2026 . The industry association Cepesca considers the measure necessary but inadequate. Secretary-General Javier Garat is calling for at least 40 cents per litre and a reworking of the system.
Garat says parts of the fleet are operating at the limits of economic viability and that the extension just approved will only ease the burden. There are also delays in payments: some businesses have yet to receive support for March and April. He does not rule out protests by the sector, but stresses that the priority is certainty for planning and effective relief.
The key demand is for payments to be calculated according to the actual consumption of each individual vessel, and for the subsidy to be applied directly at the pump. The current system calculates compensation on the basis of the Encuesta Económica de Pesca Marítima, which lead the Ministerio de Agricultura prepared. According to the association, this means that actual fuel volumes and fluctuations in costs for individual boats are not accurately reflected, leaving businesses exposed to liquidity risks.
The extension follows similar measures for agricultural diesel. Both sectors are disproportionately affected by volatile energy prices because fuel accounts for a large share of their total costs and price rises can only be offset through sales after a delay. Fleet representatives warn that without greater relief, more vessels may be forced to stay in port and fishing trips could be shortened. This would affect earnings, employment in coastal areas and upstream services such as shipyards, supplies and logistics.
According to industry and media sources, the Government says the extension provides short-term certainty for planning. It usually gives details of the arrangements through ministerial orders. Cepesca argues that a flat 20-cent rule no longer reflects the sharp rise in prices over recent months and is therefore calling for an increase to 40 cents until costs stabilise.
It remains to be seen whether the administration will adjust the system in the short term. The association is pressing for a solution that is more targeted, faster and less administratively cumbersome than current practice. For businesses, the key is to receive support predictably and keep fuel costs manageable; otherwise, there is a risk of disruption in an economically and regionally important Spain industry.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).