Efforts to ease the availability of fuel for Bahrain’s fishermen have begun to bear fruit, with five new fuel stations opened at fishing ports across the kingdom.
The initiative comes in response to growing outcry from the fishing community over severe shortages and logistical hurdles in securing fuel.
Calls for action were led by MP Khalid Bu Onk, spokesman of Parliament’s Strategic Thinking Bloc, who hails from a prominent family of fishermen.
Mr Bu Onk confirmed that the new stations have been launched in co-ordination with the Oil and Gas Ministry and Bapco Energies, following prolonged negotiations.
However, he stressed that they were not enough to meet the needs of the country’s professional and amateur fishermen.
“I have been told that fuel pumps for boats need to be secured before any station can be opened, with five so far meeting these safety and technical requirements,” Mr Bu Onk told the GDN.
“But five stations are simply not enough to cover the needs of 1,500 professional fishermen, not to mention thousands of amateurs and recreational boaters.
“We need to think bigger and plan for more.”
The move followed a strongly worded appeal by the Professional Fishermen’s Society, which warned of a mounting crisis threatening the sustainability of sea journeys and livelihoods.
In a recent social media post, the society said fishermen were being forced to buy fuel in small containers – a practice they called inefficient, costly and exhausting.
“Many fuel stations refuse to provide fuel except in limited quantities and in small containers which are impractical and not sufficient for daily fishing operations,” said Mr Bu Onk.
“Fishermen continue to be forced to fill numerous small containers just to get the fuel they need for their trips. This leads to delays, fatigue and increased costs.”
He said the five new stations were just ‘a beginning’.
“We cannot stop here. Bahrain’s fishermen deserve better, and I will continue pushing for solutions that meet their real needs on the ground,” he added.
One of the major flashpoints has been the closure of the fuel station at Bandar Al Dar in Sitra, which has reportedly been inactive for more than three years due to a dispute between the operator and the fuel supply company.
Mr Bu Onk pointed out that the fishing sector – a vital contributor to Bahrain’s food security – cannot afford to be neglected any longer.
“This is not just about fuel. It’s about respecting the contribution of our fishermen, many of whom come from families that have worked in these waters for generations,” he said.
“We must support them not just in word, but in deed – by removing obstacles, opening more stations, and ensuring basic services like fuel are accessible at all times.”
Mr Bu Onk has called on authorities to urgently reactivate idle fuel stations and settle administrative or financial disputes that are hindering operations.
A circular reportedly issued to fuel stations across the kingdom has compounded the problem. The directive bans the filling of plastic, glass or non-standard containers, allowing only approved jerry cans, further limiting fishermen’s ability to refuel effectively.
Calls have also been made for better consultation with fishermen and a more practical, science-based approach to marine regulations, including bans on shrimping, which many claim are imposed without adequate data or input from those concerned.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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