Galician fishing fleets threaten strikes over rising fuel costs

Fishermen in the Pontevedra and Arousa estuaries of Galicia are facing a severe economic crisis due to rising fuel costs and increased prices for essential materials like bait and nets. The surge in expenses is making many fishing trips unprofitable, leading some professionals to keep their vessels moored rather than heading to sea.

Guilds from Sanxenxo, O Grove, and Cambados are considering strikes in the coming weeks if the situation does not improve or if promised government aid fails to materialize. While a national meeting is scheduled for September 29, local leaders suggest that industrial action may be the only way to ensure their concerns are heard.

Industry representatives note that unlike other sectors, fishermen cannot easily pass increased operational costs onto consumers because market prices for fish are fixed. This pressure is particularly acute for larger vessels with high daily fuel consumption.