Cabo Verde fuel price hikes impact fishing and transport

Rising fuel prices in Cabo Verde are significantly impacting local industries and daily life. In the fishing sector, the cost of diesel has increased from approximately 70,000 escudos to 100,000 escudos per ton, drastically reducing the profit margins for fishermen. Some boat owners report being forced to reduce their frequency of trips to sea due to these energy costs.

The transportation sector is also facing challenges. Drivers of ‘hiace’ collective transport vans, which connect Praia to the interior of Santiago island, have seen daily fuel expenses rise from roughly 2,000 escudos to 3,000 escudos. This has led to increased transport fares and a reduction in travel among the population.