KUWAIT CITY, Nov 4: The Kuwaiti Fishermen Union has called on His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah to take decisive action to address the issue of subsidized diesel, urging a resolution "from its roots." The union seeks the restoration of the previous diesel allocation that adequately supported fishing trips before a recent decision to cut the subsidy by half. This reduction has severely impacted the fishing sector, leading to a multitude of challenges that discourage participation in the profession, thereby threatening its survival and the availability of local products in the markets.

Union representatives expressed their concerns about the motives behind these changes, questioning who stands to benefit from the situation. They emphasized that the fishing profession is struggling against numerous challenges and requires immediate, urgent solutions to protect both the industry and the Kuwaitis who hold fishing licenses.

The union noted a growing number of fishing boats being forced out of operation due to the exodus of skilled technical workers. They urged officials to support local production and stand by the fishing community.

Despite reaching out to various officials and meeting with several of them, the union lamented that, although there was an understanding of their legitimate demands, none of the promises made have been fulfilled to date, leaving the situation unresolved.