On 10/3, Quy Nhon fishing port in Gia Lai buzzed with activity as dozens of fishing boats prepared ice, provisions, fishing gear, and refueled for their first trip of the year. Despite the usual lively atmosphere, many boat owners expressed deep concern over the sharply rising fuel costs.

Hundreds of fishing boats anchored at Quy Nhon fishing port on the morning of 10/3. *Photo: Tran Hoa*

In the crowded anchorage area, many fishing boats lay side by side, some potentially destined to remain docked. Boat owners stated that if fuel prices continue to escalate, they might have to keep their vessels ashore, as venturing out to sea would only increase their risk of substantial losses and potential debt.

Nguyen Hua, 50, moved his 850 horsepower fishing boat to the area for ice and provisions after pumping over 5,000 liters of diesel. At 30,800 dong per liter, this amounted to over 150 million dong. His vessel specializes in catching ocean tuna in the Truong Sa waters. Hua noted that before Tet, the fuel price was only about 19,000 dong per liter, with total fuel costs nearing 95 million dong. The current price represents a difference of about 55 million dong in fuel costs alone.

Each fishing trip typically lasts about one month with 7–11 crew members. Beyond fuel, boat operations require significant expenses for ice, food, bait, logistics, and crew wages. Along with fuel, these other expenses have also increased. Overall, each deep-sea trip now costs an additional 50–60 million dong compared to late last year, severely impacting profitability.

According to many fishermen, the fishing profession heavily relies on unpredictable weather and inconsistent catch yields. With soaring input costs, the financial risks are higher than ever. While a successful trip might still yield a profit, encountering bad weather or low catches often means the proceeds from selling fish are insufficient to cover expenses. Fisherman Vo Van Luu, 42, from Quy Nhon ward, highlighted that his boat consumes about 3,000 liters of fuel per trip. Late last year, this cost around 50 million dong; it has now increased to nearly 90 million dong, a difference of about 40 million. "We know the risk of losses is high, but many fishermen still have to go out to sea because this is our main source of income. If boats stay docked for too long, the situation becomes even more difficult", Luu said.

Crew members of Nguyen Hua's fishing boat prepare fishing gear before heading out to sea. *Photo: Tran Hoa*

At Tinh Hoa fishing port in Quang Ngai, nearly 200 km from Quy Nhon, fisherman Vo Ut also worried before his trip to the Hoang Sa fishing grounds. He had to buy 4,000 liters of diesel. Before 5/3, this amount of fuel only cost about 76 million dong, but he now has to spend over 120 million. "Now every trip out to sea is filled with anxiety because costs are soaring. We just hope fuel prices drop so we can continue our livelihood", Ut said. Fuel typically accounts for 40–60% of the total cost of each fishing trip. When fuel prices rise sharply, financial pressure immediately weighs heavily on boat owners, especially those who borrowed capital to build new vessels or convert existing ones.

Fishing boats at My A port, Quang Ngai, docked while awaiting a drop in fuel prices. *Pham Linh*

Quang Ngai and Gia Lai are two provinces with large fishing fleets nationwide, with nearly 5,000 and over 5,700 boats respectively. Most of these vessels operate in deep-sea fishing at the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa fishing grounds. Nguyen Thanh Hung, Chairman of Binh Chau Fisheries Union in Quang Ngai, stated that fuel costs often account for about one-half of the total trip cost. At current prices, fuel expenses could be nearly double what they were about 10 days ago. Hung added that deep-sea fishing boats that comply with communication regulations currently receive state support of 25–100 million dong in fuel costs per trip. This amount partially helps fishermen alleviate pressure amid soaring fuel prices. Nguyen Huu Nghia, Head of the Gia Lai Provincial Fisheries Sub-Department, said the unit is closely monitoring fuel price developments to report and propose support plans, helping fishermen stay at sea.

Tran Hoa - Pham Linh