Soaring fuel costs squeeze fishermen amid prolong Middle East crisis

by Han Jun-gu Posted : April 13, 2026, 17:59Updated : April 13, 2026, 17:59
Fishing boats are docked at Sorae Fish Market in Incheon April 13 2026 AJP Han Jun-gu
Fishing trawlers are docked at a pier in incheon on April 13, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

INCHEON, April 13 (AJP) - South Korea's average diesel price soared to 1,986 won (about US$1.34) on Monday amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

Diesel for fishing trawlers now costs around 280,000 won per drum (or 200 liters), up about 60 percent from a month earlier, adding to the financial burden on fishermen.

Fishing nets are piled up at Sorae Fish Market in Incheon April 13 2026 AJP Han Jun-gu
Fishing nets are piled up at a market in Incheon on April 13, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Conch shells used for webfoot octopus fishing are piled up at Sorae Fish Market in Incheon April 13 2026 AJP Han Jun-gu
Fishing nets and other equipment are piled up at a market in Incheon on April 13, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Fishing boats are docked at Sorae Fish Market in Incheon April 13 2026 AJP Han Jun-gu
Fishing trawlers are docked at a pier in incheon on April 13, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu