The Union des Armateurs à la Pêche Française (UAPF) and the Association nationale des Organisations de Producteurs (ANOP) warn of challenges from soaring diesel prices since the Middle East conflict. Some vessels operate at a loss while others may stay docked. They await suitable government aid.
In a statement dated March 21, 2026, the UAPF and ANOP highlight that diesel costs, the main expense for fishermen, have surged over 80% since the Middle East conflict onset, referred to as the 'guerre en Iran'. 'La situation est aujourd’hui critique', they state, noting that 'certains navires opèrent déjà à perte, et d’autres s’apprêtent à rester à quai'. This threatens forced stoppages and disruption to seafood supply chains. Fishermen cannot pass on costs, as sales prices are set at auctions. 'C’est simple, nous ne sommes absolument pas maîtres du prix d’achat de notre poisson, qui n’est d’ailleurs jamais le même d’un jour à l’autre', says Jérôme Jourdain, UAPF deputy secretary general. The groups hope for government arbitration by March 23, post-municipal elections. They question potential aids, recalling 2022 measures (35 centimes per liter), restricted to French refueling and companies, excluding tuna vessels like Via Ocean (ex-Saupiquet), which ceased operations. Bercy confirms nothing. Italy provides up to 25 centimes per liter, Spain around 20 centimes.
