India, March 28 -- Escalation of the war in West Asia and a hike in bulk diesel prices last week have dealt a crushing blow to the fishing industry. Boat-owners have reduced or stopped sending vessels into the sea as they fear running into losses due to mounting expenses on fuel. This has pushed up prices of staple fish by 20-50%, forcing families to switch to smaller and cheaper varieties or forgo fish altogether.

"A medium-sized white pomfret that normally cost Rs.500 is now priced Rs.800-1000, while a black pomfret that cost Rs.300 earlier has shot up to Rs.400," said Leena Lobo, a homemaker.

Since the availability of big fish had also taken a hit, the family had switched to smaller fish such as prawns for their daily intake, Lobo sa...