Raigad Fishermen Granted Tax-Free Diesel Access After Fisheries Department Lifts Controversial Ban

Raigad, Maharashtra: In a major relief for the fishing community, the Fisheries Department in Raigad has lifted the ban on purchasing diesel from Indian Oil Corporation, allowing tax-free diesel access to fishermen once again. The move comes after intense protests by fishing groups and wide media coverage.

The ban, initially enforced on July 31 by Fisheries Commissioner Kishore Tawde, had prohibited fishing associations in Raigad from sourcing diesel from Indian Oil. This restriction came just a day before the start of the fishing season on August 1, following the 61-day monsoon fishing ban.

As a result of the sudden restriction, hundreds of fishing vessels remained stranded at ports across Raigad, unable to access their subsidized diesel quotas. Fishermen lost three critical days of the fishing season, causing significant economic losses, especially for those dependent on early-season hauls.

Enraged by the policy, fishermen's associations launched protests, criticizing the department for causing unnecessary hardship. The backlash forced the Commissioner to revoke the ban, thereby restoring diesel supply from Indian Oil and allowing boats to set sail immediately.

With the lifting of the restriction, thousands of boats have now departed for sea, resuming their fishing operations. The resumption of tax-free diesel supply is expected to bring relief to the community and stabilize the local fishing economy.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development, Nitesh Rane, announced a technological upgrade in the sector. Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), he revealed that the Fisheries Department will begin using AI technology to modernize fishery production, data collection, and distribution.

A Smart Fish Stock Assessment System (SFSS) is under development, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on July 8, 2025. This system will assist in reservoir development, accurate production statistics, and efficient marketing and distribution of fishery products.

Present at the MoU signing were Dr. N. Ramaswamy, Commissioner Kishore Tawade, and Sai Krishna—all key stakeholders in the future direction of Maharashtra’s fisheries sector.