Croatia’s Fishing Industry Faces Crisis as Iran Conflict Spikes Fuel Prices
Impact of Rising Fuel Costs on Croatia's Fishing Sector
Fishing Operations Stalled by Soaring Fuel Prices
DUBROVNIK, Croatia, May 1 (Reuters) - Fishing captain Dinko Cvjetojevic stood on his boat moored in Dubrovnik, his day's work halted by the cost of fuel that has soared since war erupted in Iran, thousands of miles to the east.
The sun was out, the fish were plentiful and the busy summer season was fast approaching. But Cvjetojevic had done his sums.
Economic Breakdown: Fuel as a Major Cost Driver
Fuel now accounted for up to 90% of operating costs, roughly double the proportion before the conflict choked off the key oil export route of the Strait of Hormuz. That made fishing "completely unprofitable".
"As you can see today, it’s a beautiful day, but the ships are moored," he told Reuters.
Short-Term Solutions and Uncertain Future
He had stockpiled some fuel before prices rose, allowing him to keep a second vessel running for now.
"I’m constantly trying to stay alive," he said. "If it stays like this, then one more month we can work and then after that we can go swimming."
Broader Economic Implications for Croatia
Commercial fishing is a small but important sector along Croatia’s Adriatic coast, employing several thousand people and supplying fresh fish to restaurants and hotels during the peak tourist season.
Tourism and Economic Vulnerability
Tourism, Croatia’s main economic engine, accounts for about one-fifth of gross domestic product when related activities are included, leaving a large part of the economy exposed if fuel prices remain high through the summer.
Reduced Operations and Calls for Government Support
Cvjetojevic said his boats typically supply markets from Dubrovnik to Istria, with part of the catch exported to Italy and Slovenia. But he had now scaled down his operation and was only selling locally.
"Without state help, I see no solution," he said.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Antonio Bronic; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
