Bangkok: Thailand's fishing industry is facing a nationwide shutdown by the end of March as severe fuel shortages and soaring prices cripple operations, business leaders warned.

According to Thai News Agency, around 30% of the country's fishing fleet is already docked. Industry representatives from the Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce and the National Fisheries Association stated that without targeted government intervention to secure fuel for the marine and logistics sectors, the entire fleet will be forced to suspend operations by the end of the month.

A total shutdown threatens to disrupt the entire supply chain, risking the jobs of over 100,000 workers and causing severe seafood shortages for consumers. The crisis is also spilling over into terrestrial farming, as fisheries provide the raw materials for fishmeal.

A halt in fishing will dry up feed supplies, inflating the prices of pork, poultry, and farmed shrimp. Inland buyers are also halting transport to coastal hubs, fearing they will run out of fuel on the road due to tight land-based diesel supplies.

Vessel operators described the situation as critical, noting that marine diesel is scarce even for buyers with cash. Subsidized marine "green oil" has reached record highs of 40.80 baht per liter for cash and 40.90 baht on 10-day credit. With operational costs exceeding viability, operators say they have no choice but to drop anchor indefinitely.