Activity in the port of Barbate has significantly decreased, with many boats remaining docked. Fishermen, who already faced a challenging start to 2026 due to storms and the inability to fish in Moroccan waters, are now battling the impact of the invasive Asian algae Rugulopteryx okamurae and, most critically, the relentless rise in diesel prices.
The conflict in Iran has caused fuel prices to skyrocket, from approximately 0.80 euros to 1.30 euros per liter. This means that filling a 10,000-liter tank has surged from 8,000 euros to 13,000 euros in just one month, a 5,000-euro difference that boat owners cannot absorb.
Every time I go out to fish, it costs me more than 4,000 euros in fuel.
The situation is exacerbated by the ineffectiveness of public aid. The 20-cent per liter subsidy approved by the Government is applied to VAT, an tax from which fishermen are exempt due to their special regime, rendering the measure practically useless for the sector.
In addition to fuel, operating expenses continue to rise. Prices for gear, bait, and maintenance have increased significantly; for example, hooks have gone from 10 to 15 euros, and sardine boxes from 40 to 60 euros. Structural costs, such as insurance and repairs, along with losses from early-year storms that kept many vessels docked for weeks, further compound these issues.
“"The raw materials we use continue to rise, and adverse weather conditions persist in the Gulf of Cádiz."
Tomás Pacheco, president of the Barbate Fishing Business Association, describes the situation as “chaotic” and emphasizes the urgency of more impactful aid. The sector is calling for measures such as reduced social security contributions, port fees, and market fees, warning that without solutions, fleet activity stoppages are anticipated.
