Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar
2026-03-03
Minister Chandrasekar responded to a supplementary question on kerosene supply for fishing vessels, noting that the question had shifted from its original topic of insurance. He stated that upon assuming office, his government reinstated the kerosene subsidy, which had lapsed, enabling beached small boats to return to service for a period of six months. Regarding ongoing fuel-related difficulties linked to the current war situation, he expressed confidence that conditions would improve within one to two weeks and committed to taking appropriate measures if fishermen continued to be adversely affected thereafter.
Hon. Speaker, the original question was on insurance; the supplementary has turned to kerosene. When we assumed office, many small boats were beached because there was no kerosene subsidy; we immediately granted the kerosene subsidy and the boats returned to service. We provided that support—please allow me to complete—indeed for six months. As to further details claimed by the Hon. Member, I cannot comment on that now. As for the current issues relating to fuel and the war situation, we believe they will ease within a week or two. If, thereafter, problems arise affecting fishermen, we will take appropriate measures.