The shortage of commercial liquefied petroleum gas linked to the West Asia crisis has hit fisherfolk in Thiruvananthapuram, affecting meals prepared at sea. Fishermen rely on commercial LPG cylinders for cooking during long fishing trips, but supplies have become scarce and expensive.

At Perumathura Harbour, several boats remain anchored as crews struggle to access cooking fuel. Fishermen say they are forced to choose between returning early with smaller catches or staying longer without food, affecting both health and income.

Boat owners report buying cylinders from the black market at inflated prices, though even that supply is now unreliable. Some are forced to depend on costly hotel food for crews of up to 40 workers.

Back home, LPG refill delays have stretched from 25 days to as long as 45 days, pushing many households to use firewood despite difficulties.

Fisherfolk say declining catches and rising costs are tightening pressure on incomes and daily survival.