“The unexpected closure of the only existing station in the port of Tavira for local and coastal fishing vessels, without an alternative, seriously compromises the activity of about fifty vessels,” Mário Gonçalves, from the board of the Tavira Shipowners and Fishermen Association (APTAV), told Lusa.

According to the official, the fishermen were “caught by surprise by the closure for works and for an indefinite period” of the station, located on the quay of the Tavira fishing port, on November 26, “without prior notice and without an alternative being provided”.

“We contacted the gas station concessionaire, who told us they had no responsibility in the closure decision, claiming they were only informed at the time of closure. They stated they had sought to find an alternative fuel supply solution with their superiors, but so far we have received no response,” he emphasized.

The situation jeopardizes the direct livelihood of dozens of families who depend exclusively on fishing and who “are prevented from working due to a lack of fuel,” he stressed.

Mário Gonçalves explained that Tavira's fishing professionals “only have as an alternative” to refuel their boats gas stations located in Fuseta, in the municipality of Olhão, in Vila Real de Santo António, or in Spain.

“These are considerable distances and unfeasible for seven and eight-metre boats,” he emphasized.

According to the official, the river transport company operating this season between the city of Tavira and the islands was also caught off guard by the closure of the station.

APTAV is appealing to the competent authorities and Galp to find an alternative "as a matter of urgency, a temporary supply solution that guarantees the continuity of fishing activity and avoids irreversible economic and social damage to the affected communities."