Financial assistance amounting to €700,000 will be given to fishermen due to rising fuel prices due to the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Agriculture minister Anton Refalo and the parliamentary secretary responsible for fisheries, Alicia Bugeja Said announced a scheme of temporary financial assistance, where the Maltese government will be intervening financially to alleviate the operating costs used by Maltese and Gozitan fishermen while carrying out their work.

It was explained that 393 applications were sent to fishermen who are registered with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MFA).

The grant to be awarded is equivalent to the increase in the price of fuel compared to the base figure of February 2022, which amounts to around € 0.65c per liter purchased.

Minister Refalo said“what we announced today is another clear demonstration of how much this government is committed to continue serving as a shoulder for all those who earn their daily bread from this the field. This is also due to the challenges they face, particularly the cause of the conflict in Ukraine. "

Refalo added that the government is investing heavily in order for Malta’s economy to remain strong.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stated that “our goal at this particular time is to continue to assist Maltese and Gozitan fishermen, while facilitating their access to financial assistance schemes.

“Just as the government was ready to give direct aid to a number of different economic sectors during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, today the government felt that this sector, so crucial and historic in our country, will be given similar aid. With such support, we also help the stability of fish prices, and therefore we are also working side by side with consumers,” Bugeja Said added.

Applications close on the 29th July 2022 and must be sent by post and addressed to the Projects Unit within the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Għammieri Goverment Farm, Triq l-Ingiered, Marsa; or by visiting one of the various unloading offices located around Malta and Gozo.

Upon application, fishermen must submit a copy of the receipts issued when purchasing fuel for their fishing vessel (s).