Plymouth Council leader Tudor Evans urges ministers to address rising fuel costs threatening viability of Plymouth’s fishing fleet
Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans OBE has today written to Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle urging the Government to consider fuel price increases and impacts to Plymouth’s fishing fleet.
“I know that Government will be carefully assessing impacts across the economy and considering where intervention may be required, but I want to ensure that proper attention is being given to the fishing industry – hard working people that may only account for .03% of GDP but whom are the beating heart and soul of coastal communities such as ours.
“Since February 2026 fuel prices, ex duty, have almost doubled, the cumulative impact of poor earnings through the winter due to poor weather, and reduced income now due to fuel costs is hitting our fishing family households hard.
“Alongside fuel, the cost of fishing gear and wider supply inputs – also closely linked to petro-chemical prices – are rising rapidly.
“Hauliers are being forced to increase prices, gear manufacturers are being forced to pass on higher material and processing costs yet catch levels and market prices have remained broadly consistent.
“The combined impact means vessel owners’ income and the wages earned by skippers and crews are now approaching untenable levels.
“The result is a perfect economic storm for a sector with little room left to absorb further pressure.
