Bhubaneswar, June 15 -- Fishing operations failed to commence in Odisha's Paradip, scheduled to begin on Monday, as fishermen refrained from taking their trawlers out to sea despite the lifting of government restrictions.

Nearly 800 trawlers at the Paradip fishing harbour remained anchored inside the harbour on the opening day of the season. Trawler owners alleged that rising diesel costs have made fishing operations economically unviable, prompting them to stay ashore.

According to trawler owners, they were being compelled to purchase diesel at an increased rate of Rs 43 due to the America-Iran war. They claimed that the sharp rise in fuel costs has severely impacted the viability of marine fishing activities.

The Odisha Marine Fish P...