Bhubaneswar: The ongoing petrol and diesel shortage across Odisha has begun affecting the livelihoods of fishermen in the Chilika region, with hundreds of fishing boats remaining stranded along the shore due to lack of fuel.

Fishermen from the area, who depend on daily fishing trips for their survival, are now facing uncertainty as diesel supplies have reportedly dried up over the past few days. The situation has severely affected fishing activities in the lake, raising concerns over the livelihood of hundreds of families dependent on fishing.

The impact of the fuel crisis was visible at Gad Ghimuda jetty under Krushnaprasad block in Puri district, where several boats were seen anchored along the coast instead of venturing into the lake for fishing. Local fishermen said they have been unable to operate their boats because diesel is either unavailable or being supplied in inadequate quantities.

Adding to the crisis, the two nearby petrol pumps in the area have reportedly remained closed for the last few days, worsening the situation for the fishing community.

Fishermen alleged that while the fuel shortage has already affected vehicles, their concerns have largely remained ignored. Many boat operators who had ventured deep into Chilika for fishing were also forced to return midway, fearing that their fuel would run out.

The disruption has left fishing families worried about their daily income and sustenance. With fishing activities almost coming to a halt in several pockets, the community has urged the authorities to ensure an immediate fuel supply so that normal operations can resume.