Regulation changes now state that the fuel subsidy for fishing vessels, which started being given due to the increase of fuel prices caused by the Middle East war, can now only be acquired by registering the vessel to the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources' "Fahi Hakatha Portal".

As per a circular from the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, even if a request is not submitted, the subsidy being given to every vessel that had a fishing license can now only be acquired by registering to the portal, with this step being made mandatory in order to strengthen the subsidy system.

"And so, we request all fishing vessels that have not registered to the ministry's Fahi Hakatha Portal to do so before 15th September 2026," the circular stated.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources the subsidy that started being given out due to the increase of fuel prices caused by the Middle East war is a concession belonging to the government's program from 2019 where duty-free diesel sales started for fishing vessels.

The Strait of Hormuz was closed following the escalation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, disrupting fuel supplies and driving up fuel prices to levels that made it difficult for fishing vessels to operate. The disruption prompted the government to introduce a fuel subsidy.