REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TANGERANG - Fishermen in Tangerang, Banten, are encountering a prolonged shortage of diesel fuel since July. Trustee of Kronjo Fisherman, Sumiyadi (45 years) in Tangerang, on Thursday, stated that only 20 of the 200 fishermen were able to fish using small boats as the type of diesel fuel, Pertamina 39-15522, used by fishermen was not available at gas stations (SPBN) in Kronjo, Tangerang regency.

"Fishing activities have come to a halt due to the shortage of diesel at SPBN for fishermen. Only a few fishermen are able to fish," he affirmed.

After Eid al Fitr, Sumiyadi pointed out that the fishermen could fish, but due to the shortage of diesel fuel, they have threatened to stop fishing.

"If we use a small boat to fish, we must buy diesel using a small bucket from distant places," he emphasized.

Saprudin, one of the fishermen, noted that he was forced to buy diesel from retailers at a steep price. The fishermen bought diesel fuel from the SPBN at 5.5 thousand IDR per liter. However, they claimed that if they bought diesel fuel from a retailer, it can cost 9 thousand IDR per liter. In fact, the fishermen had to compete with others in order to get diesel from any retailer.

"Although the price is expensive, the fishermen have to scramble to get diesel fuel," he noted.

Saprudin pointed out that the other repercussions included a drastic decrease in the income of fishermen, which is leading them to seek other jobs to cover their household needs.

"We are also looking for a second job to get money," he claimed, then adding that he did not know what cause of the scarcity. 

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