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Soaring Fuel Costs Push Southeast Asian Fishermen Closer to the Brink

Bangkok, 22 May 2026 – Southeast Asia’s fishing communities are facing mounting pressure as soaring fuel costs squeeze margins, force boats to stay docked and threaten the livelihoods of workers already operating on thin incomes.

The fuel shock has become one of the most visible downstream effects of the wider energy disruption linked to the Middle East conflict. For fishermen, diesel is not a minor cost item. It is often the single largest operating expense, affecting every trip to sea, every catch landed and every kilogramme of seafood delivered to markets.

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Author

  • Kenji Yamamoto is a Senior Fellow at The Ledger Asia, where he explores the critical nexus of Asian international relations, economic development, and environmental sustainability. With extensive experience in cross-border policy analysis, Kenji provides a unique perspective on how diplomatic alliances and green energy transitions drive long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific.

    Previously an advisor for regional development banks, he specializes in sustainable infrastructure and the circular economy’s role in modernizing emerging markets. At The Ledger Asia, Kenji’s deep-dive reports help readers navigate the complex balance between rapid industrialization and the global imperative for climate resilience and corporate responsibility.

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