Fishermen in Gujarat will continue to get diesel at concessional rates following the Centre’s decision to roll back the recent steep hike in wholesale fuel prices, following a request by the state government. The relief came after oil companies had raised wholesale diesel prices for industrial users by Rs 22.43 a liter earlier in the week, in response to rising global crude prices amid supply disruptions due to the Middle East war. The hike has also been extended to diesel supplied to fishing boats, causing concern among the state’s fishing community. Fisheries Minister Jitu Vaghani said the Gujarat government intervened and urged the Center to treat fishermen as retail consumers and provide “special exception” to protect them from the increase.Following the announcement of the price hike, many producers and transporters across the state were struggling amid the already existing pressures of inflation and energy market volatility.“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Center has accepted this fair representation of the fishermen of Gujarat. The Center has directed Bharat Petroleum to withdraw the increase of Rs 22.43 in the price of diesel used in the boats of fishermen,” an official release said.It added that “A representation was given to Vaghani, MLAs, local leaders and various fisheries organizations. Considering the seriousness of the matter, Vaghani, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, made a representation to the Center to intervene in the matter.” “Therefore, the fishermen of the state will now get diesel at the already decided concessional rate,” it said.The state had earlier entered into an agreement with Bharat Petroleum to supply diesel at subsidized prices to fishermen. However, the recent amendment had increased the cost until the rollback was approved.The wide price correction comes at a time when global oil markets have been volatile. For example, wholesale diesel prices in Delhi were increased from Rs 87.67 per liter to Rs 109.59, while retail fuel prices remained unchanged. Petrol price in the national capital remains at Rs 94.77 per litre, while regular diesel remains at Rs 87.67.Officials say there has been no increase in fuel prices for the general public. “There has been some growth in the premium category, which barely accounts for 2%-4% of the total petrol sold in the country,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas. “There has been no increase in prices for the common man.”He said fuel prices are set by oil marketing companies since petrol and diesel have been deregulated, and the government does not set rates directly.Retail prices have been stable since April 2022, with companies absorbing fluctuations in global crude prices. The government has indicated that it will continue this approach unless there is a significant and sustained increase in international oil rates.India is dependent on imports for 88% of its crude oil needs, a large portion of which is transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Ongoing tensions in the region have disrupted supplies and sent global crude oil prices rising to $119 per barrel and then falling to around $108.While bulk fuel costs have increased in line with global trends, the rebate for Gujarat’s fishermen ensures that they will not be affected by the latest increase.