IOC to provide LPG for outboard engines on fishing boats in Kerala

Kochi, Dec 19 (UNI) Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Ltd has signed an agreement with Matsyafed in Kerala for supplying LPG as fuel for powering the outboard engines used in the fishing sector.

With this, about 20,000 fishing boats affiliated to Matsyafed, an apex body of cooperative societies for the welfare of fishermen, will have LPG as fuel.

''This will be a boon to the fishermen who are reeling under huge costs of fuel, which is a major part of their operational cost,'' an official statement said here.

The fishermen normally use a combination of petrol and kerosene for powering the outboard engines.

Meanwhile, the IOC was also arranging to supply to the fishermen LPG conversion kits developed by a local company. Besides helping the fishermen economically, the use of LPG is also expected to improve the quality of the marine environment, the statement added.

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