Corsican fishermen block key ports over surging fuel prices

Fishermen staged coordinated blockades across six major ports in Corsica on April 7, disrupting maritime traffic and stranding thousands of passengers, as tensions grow over rising fuel costs on the French island.

The protests affected the ports of Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, L’Île-Rousse, Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, where fishing vessels prevented ferries and cruise ships from docking. Several ships, including those operated by Corsica Linea from Marseille, were forced to reroute or delay their journeys. Authorities estimate that between 2,000 and 3,000 passengers were impacted, Caliber.Az repoorts via French media.

The demonstrators are calling for urgent government action to address what they describe as a “deadly spiral” of increasing fuel prices. According to reports cited by France 24, the cost of subsidized diesel for fishing vessels on the island rose sharply from €0.64 per liter on March 2 to €1.09 by April 2.

Corsican fishermen argue that fuel prices have surged disproportionately compared to mainland France, partly due to the broader impact of instability in the Middle East on energy markets. They are demanding measures to restore price parity with the mainland.

Joseph Sanna, a representative of a Corsican fishing union, said the primary objective of the blockade is to “establish a balance between Corsica and the rest of France.”

Local authorities have urged protesters to lift the blockade and participate in negotiations scheduled for April 8. The prefecture indicated that talks would proceed on the condition that port access is restored.

While fishing groups on mainland France have opted to wait for formal discussions with the government, Corsican unions have taken a more confrontational stance, insisting on immediate reductions in fuel prices.

By Sabina Mammadli