Kampot fisheries administration chief Sar Sourin said only about half of local fishing boats using diesel engines were going to sea, with others staying ashore because high fuel costs could leave little profit or cause losses.
Fishers said each trip used about three to four containers of fuel and that higher prices had roughly halved their income, leaving only enough for daily needs. They feared further increases could stop more or all boats, affecting fishers, middlemen and seafood sellers, and said about half were already not sailing.
They put current fuel prices at more than 160,000 riel per container, compared with over 90,000 to over 100,000 previously, describing a major impact on earnings.
A seafood buyer and reseller said normal fuel prices had previously allowed some profit, but higher purchase costs now meant selling at usual prices largely to retain customers, who would not buy at much higher prices. By Pai Sokhim.
