GWADAR – The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict is taking a heavy toll on Pakistani fishermen along Balochistan’s coast, where rising fuel prices and disrupted trade routes have pushed many fishing families into crisis.
With the Pakistan-Iran border closed and Iranian diesel no longer easily available, small boat operators in areas like Gwadar and Ormara are unable to afford fuel to go out to sea. Many are returning empty-handed or earning just a few hundred rupees per trip—barely enough to survive.
“Boats are stuck onshore, and our children are out of school. We are living on loans,” said Lateefa Nasir, a local fisher from Ormara.
Previously, fishermen relied on Iranian diesel, which cost around Rs150 per litre. Since the border shutdown, prices have jumped to Rs200 or more, with supply severely limited. The shortage has cut daily availability of diesel from around 600,000 litres to just 140,000 litres in the region.
Balochistan’s fishing sector produces over 340,000 tonnes of catch annually, supporting thousands of families and contributing nearly Rs20 billion to the economy. But experts warn the industry remains underfunded and highly vulnerable to external disruptions like war and fuel instability.
While local officials claim the situation is stabilising, many in the fishing community continue to face food insecurity, stalled incomes, and growing debt.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.