HPCL with the help of the directorate of fisheries for the state of Goa had conducted trials to convert petrol-fuelled fishing boats to cheaper LPG-run fishing boats which have reportedly given promising results.
It is learnt that 10HP engines used by traditional fishing vessels consume 5 to 6 litres of petrol per hour. Powered by cheaper and cleaner LPG, the engines will require only 2.5 kg of fuel per hour.
Besides this one LPG kit can power more than one engine. This will be a big help for the fishing community which is reeling under the rising price of petrol and diesel and will also minimize pollution.
However the question that arises is whether the LPG cylinders will be available to the owners of fishing boats at a subsidized rate or will it be on par with the domestic cylinder or even as much as the cost of commercial cylinders since using the LPG for fishing boats could be categorized as being used for commercial purpose.
If the cost of the LPG cylinder is on par with the price of the commercial cylinder the very purpose of switching on to LPG as fuel for fishing boats could be lost.
