Puri, May 16: An artificial fuel shortage in Odisha has left more than 100 fishermen stranded in the middle of Chilika Lake after their boats reportedly ran out of diesel. Over 40 fishing boats from the Puri-Konark coastal belt remain stuck inside the lake, with fishermen taking shelter on small islands and riverbanks.
Despite claims by oil companies and the state supply department that fuel stocks are sufficient, long queues continue to be seen at petrol pumps across the state. The shortage has now started affecting livelihoods, particularly in the fishing sector.
According to reports, fishermen from the Kanas area in Puri district had ventured deep into Chilika for fishing when their boats ran out of fuel. Unable to return, many of them were forced to take shelter on small islands inside the lake. The stranded fishermen informed their families over phone calls that they are unable to come back due to the diesel crisis.
Sources said several boats are also stranded near the mouth of the Daya River, around 8 km from Jagulai Padar in Kanas, after exhausting their fuel supply. Family members of the fishermen have appealed for immediate assistance and fuel support to bring them back safely.
