Fishing fleets feel fuel pinch

Diesel prices have skyrocketed to nearly $2 a litre in Tasmania and the state’s peak fishing body says its members are starting to feel the squeeze.

Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council chief executive Neil Stump said some larger boats used 40-50 litres of diesel an hour or up to 2200 litres for a four-day trip.

“Some fishermen are really starting to weigh up whether their businesses are going to remain profitable,” Mr Stump said.