Spanish Boatowners Want A ‘Political Diesel Price’ff

Spanish boatowners did not obtain the results they were expecting regarding a solution to the steep increase of the diesel price, during a meeting held recently between the authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Food (MAPA) and the representatives of the fishing coastal sector from all Spain.

The central government only restated its commitment to granting aids to fishers between May and June to compensate for the impact on the fishing sector as a consequence of the diesel value increase during 2004.  This left Spanish boatowners and representatives of the fishermen's associations unsatisfied.
 
Representatives of the fishing sector proposed establishing a “political price” no higher than EUR 0.25 per liter, therefore one third lower than the current cost.
 
However, MAPA authorities declared their opposition to political prices, arguing they are “questionable and do not respond to the increasingly more open state of the market.”

The delegates for the Galician Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds warn the government that in Galicia, the whole fleet is considering the possibility of protesting should an agreement not be forthcoming.  They have also requested the central government press the European Union to allow direct subsidies for companies, such as social security discounts.

The President of the Andalusian Fishermen Association, Mr. Manuel Peinado also appraised negatively the results of the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to look for a solution to support the increase of fuel prices and the lack of aids made available to the fishing sector, however, Mr. Peinado said,  "fishing fleet strikes and riots could take place at any moment and at any port”. Mr. Peinado’s stated to the Spanish press that the fishermen are very nervous and could start protesting at any time and place, causing a “domino-effect” in the rest of the ports. It could lead to a mooring of the fleet and a strike of the fishing activities because of the current high costs and lack of profit. The outcome of the meeting was negative and disappointing. “It's a complicated and hard issue which has continuously been delayed for a long time now, while the fuel prices have kept on going up, and MAPA does not offer any solution or aid so far, since the European Union did not accept the approval of such aids.

He also noted that during the meeting MAPA maintained its position to increase the Inspection Points at the frontiers, customs and airports in order to avoid the entrance of fish from third countries; and analyzing the possibility to change the system used at this moment for the fishing auctions, because the fish is being sold very cheap and it does not cover the costs. The Ministry also maintains its supportive position to create technical workshops to analyze the price increase effect on the deep seas fleets, the artisan fleets, and the commercial aspects as well.

Mr. Peinado also said that “It's not worth being polite and receptive if the Central Government does not take prompt action; to demonstrate goodwill is not sufficient”.

Finally, he accused the Government of “lacking precision”. All the analysts had announced that the fuel prices were going to continue increasing, however the Government was unable to apply efficient measures on time”.

The situation is different in the Basque Country since members of the fishing sector said they have not planned to demonstrate, at least during April, because the coastal fleet is in full campaign efforts over anchovy.

According to the president of the National Organization of Fisheries Association (ONAPE), Senen Touza, the government is “forestalling a serious crisis situation beyond bearable limits." Not only has the problem of the diesel price increase in 2004 been resolved, but no solution has been presented towards palliating the impact of this year’s increment.
 
Meanwhile, MAPAs Minister Elena Espinosa stated the government is analyzing alternative sources to replace diesel fuel, although she explained they have to ascertain whether the product that has been offered by a private company, “which is recycled, might be an alternative”.